How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Everyone said it was a pity that a slight pretty woman like Katie Nolan had to go out scrubbing floors. But what else could she do considering the husband she had, they said. They admitted that, no matter which way you looked at it, Johnny Nolan was a handsome lovable fellow far superior to any man on the block. But he was a drunk. That’s what they said and it was true. (1.39)
Mama sacrifices a lot by marrying Papa. She is the responsible one, the one who has to get the bills paid somehow.
Quote #2
“I am not a happy man. I got a wife and children and I don’t happen to be a hard-working man. I never wanted a family.”
Again, that hurt around Francie’s heart. He didn’t want her or Neeley?
[…]
Papa was no good. He said so himself. But she liked Papa better.
“I love my wife and I love my children.” Francie was happy again. (3.40-44)
There are all sorts of interesting relationships in families. Francie realizes that Papa isn’t an ideal father. In fact, he hurts her feelings at times by saying stuff like this, but he also knows how to smooth things over.
Quote #3
Francie and Neeley got out of bed and they all sat around the table and ate after Papa had put three dollars down on the table and given the children each a nickel which Mama made them put in the tin-can bank explaining they had already received money that day from the junk […] So Johnny and Katie talked away the night and the rise and fall of their voices was a safe and soothing sound in the dark. (5.52-55)
Every family has its own little routines. Most children love routines because they make them feel safe; they know what to expect. This is an example of one of the little family routines that Francie really loves. Her father sings as he climbs the stairs after working late and everyone gets up to chat and eat with Papa. The kids go back to bed soon after, listening to the comforting sounds of Mama and Papa chatting with each other all night. It is a sweet family time for them.