Bonus 'The Messenger' Quotes (Exam Prep)

How does Ed perceive his life and prospects? (P.6) Context/Perception

"(My full name's Ed Kennedy. I'm nineteen. I'm an underage cabdriver. I'm typical of many of the young men you see in this suburban outpost of the city—not a whole lot of prospects or possibility.)"

What does Ed say about his nature in relation to heroism? (P.96) Humility

Ed challenges the idea of being a hero, stating, "No, I'm not a saint, Sophie. I'm just another stupid human."

What moral conflict does Ed express regarding justice? (P.131) Ambiguity/Justice

Ed feels guilty about his actions towards another person, torn between guilt for his actions and guilt for not taking more drastic measures. "I feel guilty about everything I did to him, but on the other hand, I feel guilty about not killing him."

What act does Ed perform to enact a different kind of justice? (P.152) Psychological Justice

"I took that man up to the Cathedral and had a gun jammed into his head. I pulled the trigger but didn't shoot him. I aimed for the sun..."

What observation does Ed make about loneliness? (P.61) Empathy

"It kind of depressed me to think a human could be so lonely that she would comfort herself with the company of appliances that whistle, and sit alone to eat."

How does Ed show compassion through small acts? (P.220) Compassion/Meaningful Acts

"'I've seen you here a few times and noticed that you never get an ice cream yourself.'... 'I thought you deserved one, too."

What does Ed reveal about his choices regarding education and love? (P.19) Love

"I never left this suburban town. I didn't go to university. I went to Audrey."

What does Ed say about his love for Audrey? (P.432) Love vs Reality

Ed expresses a longing for love, contrasting it with the physical nature of their relationship. "I can smell the sex on her, and my only hope is that she can smell the love on me."

How does Ed demonstrate resilience? (P.373) Resilience/Responsibility

Ed acknowledges his fear but chooses to confront it by walking fast toward it. "I feel the fear, but I walk fast toward it."

What is the final message Ed receives about life? (P.455) Message/Purpose

Life continues: "He looks at me closely and says, 'Keep living, Ed.... It's only the pages that stop here."