A List of Book Quotes that More-or-Less Confirm Richie's Sexuality
"It sounded great, but it was a lie. Just like all the other Voices were lies." (pg. 60) - this quote confirms that Richie uses his impressions as a way to mask his true emotions, but this is never brought up again; this is one paragraph into his character introduction.
"What a bunch of losers they had been..." (pg. 70) - this part in the book is super fascinating. Richie talks about each and every Loser except for Eddie. I read through his entire phone call section and not once does he mention Eddie; he does talk about the Bowers Gang, even.
"He turned his head slightly and winked at Eddie." (pg. 302) - Richie interacts with Eddie a lot during this section, and it's interesting in that it's told from Eddie's perspective; Eddie even goes off into a full page of talking about Richie and a cute moment they had together.
"Richie jumped to his feet a second time and pinched Eddie's cheek. 'Cute, cute, cute!'" Richie exclaimed. (pg. 304) - again, it's interesting how much Richie interacts with Eddie here. He clearly respects others' boundaries, specifically with Stanley, but always makes a show with Eddie.
"Richard Tozier turns off the radio, which has been blaring out Madonna's 'Like a Virgin'..." (pg. 322) - is an explanation really needed here?
"Alarmed, Richie put an arm around Bill's shoulders (after taking a quick glance around to make sure no one who might mistake them for a couple of fagolas was looking)." (pg. 335) - Richie is the only character in the book that's worried about someone thinking he's gay. The line honestly sticks out like a sore thumb, catching your attention like "Okay, why is this here? Why is Richie worried about this?"
"'That's cause they know how cute you are, Eds- just like me. I saw what a cutie you were the first time I met you.'" (pg. 349) - here, Richie is talking to Eddie on the phone. Richie, obviously, only likes making fun of Eddie to get some reaction out of him. A reaction can't exactly come from a phone call.
"And, Richie had to admit, she was one hell of a pretty guy." (pg. 352) - Richie's talk here about Beverly is interesting because he always refers to her as a guy. Beverly is a tomboy, and Richie likes her for those qualities specifically.
"She sighed. 'You don't have much romance in your soul.' 'Damn right I don't.'" (pg. 356) - Unlike the other boys, Richie doesn't get flustered when he talks to Beverly, he doesn't even have the slightest romantic interest in her.
"'Eddie, I'm sorry.' Rich said." (pg. 512) - Richie gets upset after realizing that he's been too mean to Eddie; this is strange as later in the book, Richie more-or-less just shrugs when Eddie says "You're pretty fucking mean to Stan."
"'...Eddie my love.'" (pg. 734) - this is mostly interesting because Eddie doesn't give a smartass retort to this name.
"'I know,' Richie said, hugging him tightly..." (pg. 1044) - this is said after Eddie manages to fight off It with his inhaler; this is interesting development as Richie goes from hoping no one thinks he's gay to hugging Eddie tightly and explaining his nicknames for him (they're to toughen him up).
"'What?' Richie was down on his hands and knees, staring at him desperately." (pg. 1,086) - the word here that sticks out is "desperately", as Eddie is here dying and Richie most likely wants to hear an "I love you."
"They put him down, and Richie kissed Eddie's cheek." (pg 1,118) - I believe this is the page where we see Richie accept that he loves Eddie (this is the same page as the "he knew well enough" quote). He gets angry for a lot of reasons: himself, It, Eddie. He knew he should have told him how he felt, but he never got the chance and he never will.
"Nothing lasts forever," Richie repeated. (pg. 1,127) - Richie is crying when he says this, and Ben immediately responds with "Except maybe for love", which gets Richie to wipe his tears.
And, to quote James "Reddie Rights" Ransone: It's actually not vague in the book.
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