Irony is conveyed through this quote because, here, Carlin claims that she is not in love with Gus, when it turns out she truly is.

Carlin is compared to a bobcat within a simile in this passage to illustrate how she does not fit in among her peers.

The members of Chalk House are seen here as an extremely close-knit group. Their treatment of Gus is illustrates an outward hatred toward him with no reservations.

This passage characterizes Gus as rebellious and having no respect for those who give him orders, and this is seen through his instant decision to skip the house meeting.

The "locked box" that Gus is about to open here is the "iron box" in the chapter title. The box itself symbolizes the completion of the trick proposed originally by Dr. Howe- turning white roses red.

Gus's improper actions and the fact that Gus was able to make Carlin laugh illustrate that their relationship has changed and prospered since they first met.

After being the victim of a minor practical joke, Carlin rejects the girls on the swim team even more so than she did before, no longer associating herself with them in any way.

Carlin does not have any expectations of the girls at St. Anne's, and she does not have any hopes in them, specifically- that they would accept her knowing that she was not wealthy.

Carlin is again characterized as guarded and secretive. It can be seen that she is a reserved person and that she does not wish to open up her mind to others.

This passage states that the other girls at Saint Anne's cannot comprehend Carlin's relationship with Gus. They find it unfathomable that she should like a boy who is not a popular older student.

Carlin's discovery of solace among the dead, rather than the living, tells the reader that she does not care to socialize with the other Haddan students.

Carlin is depicted as a source of happiness for Gus here because, in spite of the fact that Gus is in a troubled state, bothered by the boys of Chalk, Carlin manages to make him smile.

Metaphorical imagery is used in this passage to describe Gus's character as pessimistic.

This passage uses nature to create a pleasant scene that makes Gus happy. The statement that Gus does not understand that he is happy shows his lack of enjoyment in life.

This passage shows the origin of the Chalk House lifestyle by connecting past to present. Older Chalk boys had behaved mischievously, and this practice was carried on over time for the benefit of the boys.

The mentality of Chalk is illustrated here in a way that shows that the rules of the house are not to be broken by anyone and that guilt is held as an integral part of the brotherhood.

"Foolish enough to let down her guard."
The fact that it is seen as "foolish" to be carefree among her own teammates shows the reader that Carlin believes that she must be careful of her actions at all times. She is extremely guarded.

This passage shows Gus's shunning of society by stating that he does not see any value in the general populace.

This passage shows Carlin's attachment to Gus by declaring that Gus is the main reason why had always held back her feelings and kept to herself.

Picking Gus up from the train illustrates the Chalk House unity by having one member assist another. This assistance becomes ironic later, as the students helping Gus end up bullying and murdering him.