Proof:
Eric reminds Four that he is in no position to challenge him when he states, “I have the authority here, remember? Here, and everywhere else” (Roth 161). Four then actively chooses to listen and comply as, “His grip on the knives tightens and his knuckles turn white as he turns to face Al”(161-2).
Comment:
Though Four is capable of standing up to Eric, he does not hold a high enough social position where this might be acceptable. This causes him to make an “Acquiescent” choice, meaning he submits and changes his behavior because someone asked him to (Meriorg/Holloway 104). The tightening grip and whitening of his knuckles show that he is making an active choice to obey, though he does not agree.