Go Set a Watchman Race Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

It was used for more things than family reunions, however: Negroes played basketball there, the Klan met there in its halcyon days, and a great tournament was held in Atticus's time in which the gentlemen of the county jousted for the honor of carrying their ladies into Maycomb for a great banquet. (5.205)

This is the heritage of Finch's Landing. Sure, the Klan was there. Sure, it had slaves. But remember the banquet?! To Southerners like the Finches, that is what is really important.

Quote #5

The South's the land of opportunity now. (5.243)

This is a racially charged line with a meaning that is muddled throughout the book. Henry believes this, because he is on a track of upward mobility. But the older white men, like Uncle Jack and Atticus, don't believe this. They see black people—who are basically the same social class as Henry, i.e. "trash"—and their increased opportunity as a threat to their own.

Quote #6

"They're a public menace." (5.289)

Henry says this about a carload of black people. The car is driving fast, which is super dangerous. Considering that, is this a racially charged statement?