How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Where was the law?" he said, looking up at Mapes. He was crying now. "Where was the law? Law said he cut in on the tractor, and he was the one who started the fight. That's law for a n*****. That's law." He looked at Mapes. He wanted Mapes to face him. Mapes wouldn't. (9.139)
Tucker's words let us know that "equal protection under the law" doesn't really apply to people whose skin is a certain color. It even seems like Mapes is ashamed for a minute in this passage, because he knows that what Tucker is saying is true.
Quote #5
And what did I do about them killing my boy like that? What could a poor n***** do but go up ot the white folks and fall on his knees? But no, no pity coming here. Some went so far as to say my boy shoulda been glad he died in the 'lectric chair 'stead of at the end of a rope. They said at least he was treated like a white man. And it was best we just forgot all about him. (9.169)
Poor, poor Gable. We can't even imagine what something like he went through would feel like. The really sad thing, though, is that a lot of his friends have been through a lot of the same kind of stuff.
Quote #6
"Don't you know who did it?" Gil asked.
"I think I do," Mapes said. "I'm sure I do."
"Then why don't you arrest him?"
"They all say the same thing. They all say they did it."
"But you know who did it?"
"Yes," Mapes said. "I know who did it. But the others threatened to come to town if I take him in. She says the same thing. I don't want this crowd in Bayonne. Not the way people are working themselves up for that game tomorrow. If you just come from Baton Rouge, you know what I'm talking about.
"What do you plan to do, Mapes?"
"I'll handle it my way." (10.69-79)
Wow, who is Mapes kidding? He was barely in control at the beginning of this whole thing, and he's not really in control now.