Young'uns! Mrs. P. interrupted. No bad language, not at the table, please. And need I remind you, I am the table!
In "The Shattering" by Kathryn Lasky, Mrs. P. interjects a conversation among the younger characters, emphasizing the importance of decorum at the dinner table. Her humorous declaration, "I am the table," reflects her authority and sets the tone for how discussions should be conducted. Mrs. P. insists on maintaining respect and civility, implicitly teaching the younger generation to uphold these values during communal meals. This moment highlights the clash between youthful...