How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
At that moment they were comforted by the honor of having done their duty, and the only thing that worried them was the persistence of the smell. (4.11)
We were going to make a poop joke here, but we decided to be classy. Still, notice that it's better to be a murderer in jail than to be a free man who has had his honor sullied.
Quote #8
The twins' fear was in response to the mood in the streets. Revenge by the Arabs wasn't dismissed, but no one, except the Vicario brothers, had thought of poison. It was supposed, rather, that they would wait for nightfall in order to pour gasoline through the skylight and burn up the prisoners in their cell. But even that was too easy a supposition. (4.12)
What is this quote telling you about the sort of reputation the Arab people in this town have? Considering that they have never been known to be violent, why do you think this is the perception? How does that affect how the town might see Santiago?
Quote #9
It was inconceivable that they would suddenly abandon their pastoral spirit to avenge a death for which we all could have been to blame. On the other hand, no one thought about reprisals from Plácida Linero's family, who had been powerful and fighting people until their fortune ran out, and had bred more than two barroom killers who had been preserved by the salt of their name. (4.12)
If anything should tell you how little reputation has to do with facts, this quote should. Instead of worrying about of legitimate act of revenge from Santiago's family, everyone seems to think that the peaceful Arab people will suddenly become violent. Right. That makes sense. About as much sense as Santiago's murder.