How we cite our quotes: Cloud 9. Caryl Churchill. Routledge, 2000.
Quote #7
"Not my people, madam." (1.3.106)
Mrs. Saunders wants to know how in the world Joshua can bear to whip his "own people, " meaning his fellow Africans. But Joshua replies that these people are not his people, meaning that his true loyalties lie with Clive. As things turn out, this isn't true. But Joshua is very good at hiding it and at convincing Clive he's loyal.
Quote #8
"The stable boys are not to be trusted. They whisper. They go out at night. They visit their people." (1.2.141-143)
No one can play mind games better than Joshua. Just when it looks like he's going to blow up and murder someone, he turns around and tells Clive that some of the African people working in the stable are plotting against him. Clive thanks Joshua for his loyalty and Joshua ends up being the one who whips his fellow Africans. At this point, we really don't know where Joshua's loyalties lie. And that's exactly how he wants it.
Quote #9
"Oh little Eddy, playing at master. It's only a joke." (1.3.196)
As we get toward the end of Act 1, Joshua's acts of disobedience start to get more obvious until he finally tells both Betty and Edward to shut up and start doing things for themselves. Edward freaks out and takes the opportunity to act like a big man, ordering Joshua to do as he's told. But Joshua barely takes the kid seriously, snickering and talking down to him. There's really no doubt about it: Joshua doesn't respect his so-called masters, and he's becoming more and more willing to show it.