How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[Mr. Robert] released me with a shove and pointed to the cemetery where they buried white people. "Go pray for her that owned you, girl." (1.34)
Whoa—that was cold. The least he could have done was let Isabel finish paying her respects to her mother before she visited her mistress's grave. Nonetheless, the rules of slavery are so strict that they don't even allow her the dignity of saying goodbye to her mother. According to her master, her loyalties lie with Miss Mary, not Momma.
Quote #2
"Wait," Jenny announced loudly. "I'll… I'll take them."
The table froze. A person like Jenny did not speak to folks like the Locktons or Mr. Robert, not in that manner. Lockton stared at her as if she had grown a second head. (3.92-93)
Social class distinctions are pretty huge in the lives of people like the Locktons. That's what makes Jenny's statement that she'll take the girls so shocking—according to social rules, she shouldn't even be talking to these people at all. Since Madam takes precautions to increase her offer for the girls so Jenny can't counter it, this social code also gets Isabel and Ruth sold to the Locktons rather than being allowed to stay with a woman who's the closest thing to family they've got.
Quote #3
The toothless sailor approached us again and pointed down to the dock where the crates and casks stamped LOCKTON & FOOTE were being stacked. "That's where you belong. Don't wander off or one of them soldiers will shoot you dead." (5.9)
Isn't it scary to think of a society where you're so dehumanized that even attempting to violate the rules can get you killed? Imagine the fear Isabel and Ruth must feel at being told this… and by a freaky looking pirate with no teeth, nonetheless.