1). “We got our own rules.” (Irving).
Response: The apple picking crew at Ocean View Orchards keeps on ignoring the list of rules they are supposed to follow every season and when Homer asks the why this is so, this quote is the explanation that he gets. I believe that list of rules that is posted at the cider house every season is a metaphor for the rules of society. I believe this quote teaches an important lesson that at times rules that do not make sense tend to prevent us from doing something that is morally right. In times like these it is better to break such rules or make your own rules rather than following senseless rules blindly. Thus, as the quote says, at times we need to have our own rules when the rules being imposed on us do not make sense.
2). “I thought that freedom of choice was obviously democratic—was obviously American!” (Irving).
Response: Everyone should have the right to choose, the right to exert their freedom in any way they choose within certain limits, as long as they are not obstructing or preventing someone else’s freedom, or putting themselves or others in harm’s way. I believe this quote is a testament to how fortunate Americans truly are to have been bestowed with the liberty of freedom of choice. Every person should have the right to make choices for themselves. Not having the freedom to choose can not only hinder people from making choices but can also bind them to do something that they do not believe is moral.
3). “Couples who are well-to-do usually want their babies; only seventeen percent of the babies born to well-to-do parents are unwanted. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE POOR? Forty-two percent of the babies born to parents living in poverty are unwanted”
Response: This quote addresses the fact that class in society tends to affect that chances that a person has for happiness in life. I believe that under many circumstances the happiness of people goes hand in hand with their social class. The rich mostly lead happiness lives because they have money, but it is hard to find a poor person who is truly happy and these poor people are unhappy because of their social class. It may be true that happiness is not entirely dictated by social class. However, real-world examples and those from the novel itself reveal the fact that under most circumstances the happiness of a person is determined by their status in the society.
Works Cited
Irving, J. (1994). The cider house rules. (1st ed.). New York: Ballantine Books.
