How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
On the other hand, the fact that Angela Vicario dared put on the veil and the orange blossoms without being a virgin would be interpreted afterwards as a profanation of the symbols of purity. (2.43)
We all know that the white wedding gown is a symbol of virginity, but you might not have known that orange blossoms have been considered symbols of fertility and purity for thousands of years.
Quote #8
While they were drinking their coffee, Prudencia Cotes came into the kitchen in all her adolescent bloom, carrying a roll of old newspapers to revive the fire in the stove. "I knew what they were up to," she told me, "and I didn't only agree, I never would have married him if he hadn't done what a man should do." (3.44)
It's easy to blame men for the culture of machismo that overwhelms this town, but they are not the only ones at fault. Prudencia Cotes shows us how this system would not be able to continue if it wasn't for the support of the women in the town as well. Why do you think she supports this culture, even though it oppresses her? What did she get out of it?
Quote #9
So Clotilde Armenta had good reason when it seemed to her that the twins weren't as resolute as before, and she served them a bottle of rotgut rum with the hope of getting them dead drunk. "That day," she told me, "I realized just how alone we women are in the world!" (3.46)
Did you notice that aside from Cristo Bedoya, the only people who actually seem to do anything about the murder of Santiago are women? Aren't they supposed to be the frailer sex? So why don't these big strong guys get involved?