How we cite our quotes: Chapter.paragraph
Quote #1
"Francesco! Remember five years ago? […] They lynched seven Negroes right on Depot Street. A white man started it, but no one asked who shot first. Don't do anything stupid!" (2.9)
Wow, the reality of being murdered is up front right away in this book (this gets said in Chapter 2), but even with this threat hanging over them all the time, it seems like Francesco doesn't believe it is actually possible—otherwise he wouldn't bring a gun to threaten Willy.
Quote #2
"[…] He says all Negroes are filthy except for the servants of the whites […]." (2.28)
This was a common feeling amongst whites people in the South at the time, even though it is ridiculous and intensely offensive.
Quote #3
"She believe what she want to believe, and I reckon a yes-ma'amingboy like you ain't never gonna set her straight." (4.6)
Patricia isn't thrilled about how Calogero is so polite to the people who treat him like dirt, but he doesn't know what else to do when white folks demand respect. He is scared of them because they hold all the power.