A Year Down Yonder Sacrifice Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Spring and I stirred. For my sixteenth birthday present in March, Mother sent me a dollar, all folded up. I don't know where she got it. (6.1)

Mary Alice knows how hard her parents are working and how little money they have. Sending her a dollar must have meant some serious scrimping and saving. It's an enormously generous gift. How much would a 1937 dollar be worth today? We bet you can find out pretty fast if you want to.

Quote #5

Shamed though she was, Maxine had to go back to work at the post office. From the stamp counter she sent forth word that Arnold Green had deceived her. Her reputation was in ruins, and he'd have to marry her. (6.132)

Because Arnold Green has ruined Maxine's reputation, she thinks that he should give in and marry her to make it all right. What do you think? Is it only fair to expect him to make that kind of sacrifice? Did Maxine make a sacrifice when she agreed to pose nude for a portrait? As you think about this, consider the era. Does it make a difference that this happened in 1937? Why or why not? Does Grandma Dowdel think Arnold owes Maxine a proposal?

Quote #6

I couldn't wait to get out of there. A block away I said, "Grandma, Old Man Nyquist's mean."

She nodded. "Nobody'll go near him. He'd have been wedged under them bedsprings till the next Republican administration."

Nobody'd go near him but Grandma. (7.45-47)

Grandma Dowdel doesn't like Old Man Nyquist anymore than the rest of the town does—but she's not going to let him rot away in his house after the tornado. She'll take one for the team and go save him, even if won't say one word of thanks. By the way, if it's 1937, how long will it be till the next Republican administration? Why does Grandma think it might be a while?