How we cite our quotes: (Poem.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"It's a matter of transitions, you see; the changing, the becoming must be cared for closely. You would do as much for the seedlings as they become plants in the field." (XIV.1)
Here we see that the idea of change is linked to the natural world. Changing and becoming are a natural part of life and require some love and care along the way.
Quote #5
"One night or nine nights won't do it anymore," the medicine man said; "the ceremony isn't finished yet." [ . . . ] "Remember these stars," he said. "I've seen them and I've seen the spotted cattle; I've seen a mountain and I've seen a woman." (XX.3)
The signs Betonie mentions are like trail markers that Tayo watches out for as he progresses along his healing journey. Hey, that reminds us of something: when Tayo first makes love to Ts'eh, he's "afraid of being lost," so he repeats "trail marks to himself" (XXIII.1).
Quote #6
"The dry skin
was still stuck
to his body.
But the effects
of the witchery
of the evil thing
began to leave
his body."
(XXI)
Betonie's ceremony seems to be a turning point where the witchery starts to leave Tayo's body. But Tayo's ceremony continues until the end of the novel. And good thing it does, because the story might have gotten a little boring had it not.