How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
The rope was cutting under my jaw, but it had not gone tight. I got my hand up, somehow worked my fingers between the rope and my neck. I dangled and kicked as if I could kick my way out of the noose. They are hanging you, boy, was the chant that went through my head, over and over, like a song, an executioner's song. (67.17)
As Ben hangs from a tree, he describes the brutality he's experienced. Everything—and we mean everything—on his body hurts. The only reason he's even targeted is because he befriended people in the Quarter. And because of this, we see the violent ideology of racism coming to its physical conclusion.
Quote #5
I could plainly see that it had taken a sizable chunk of flesh out of his cheek; blood oozed down his chin. That side of his face was black with gunpowder. (87.32)
When the White Raiders shoot L.J., he brushes it off, but Ben still describes it. Everyone who takes a stand against the KKK or White Raiders is injured in some way. It doesn't matter whether people are Black or white—if they are against the White Raiders, they get hurt. It's clear they are a very violent community.
Quote #6
"It's time to put an end to it— the violence, all the hatred against coloreds in this town. These Ku Kluxer gangs are tearing Eudora apart, limb from limb. People are living in fear, black and white. You know me, Phineas. I've lived here all my life. I was there tonight. I saw what happened. I demand as a citizen of this town that you arrest these men for murder. Right now." (88.10)
L.J. demands that the chief of police arrest people right that instant. His reasoning? The violence has gone on long enough; everyone keeps getting hurt, and there's no end in sight. Luckily the police chief listens and does just that. The bad news, though, is that it doesn't curb the violence much.