Henry Murdoch: That was Sara on the telephone.
Naomi Murdoch: Sara?
Henry Murdoch: Sara Harper. She's the drama teacher. They're putting additional chairs in the auditorium. It seems there's sudden demand for seats.
Naomi Murdoch: Well, at least Lily will have a good house.
Henry Murdoch: And you'll be the center of attention.
Naomi Murdoch: [First resentful and the angry] Oh, I'll make a good impression, Henry. That's all you care about, isn't it? Appearances and what other people will think? Well, I'm not the girl from across the tracks who used to embarrass you! Not anymore! I won't laugh too loud or make jokes or speak to the riffraff. I knew before I married you.
Henry Murdoch: That's very good of you.

Lena Maria Svenson: You're not quitting?
Naomi Murdoch: When you're licked, you have to quit.

Naomi Murdoch: We're a big disappointment to each other, aren't we? You've got a mother with no principles; I've got a daughter with no guts.

Naomi Murdoch: You don't know how unimportant success is until you've had it.