How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
No, I'm traveling. A pilgrim like yourself. Though maybe I speak too soon, for all who wander are not pilgrims. (7.28)
What's it mean to be a pilgrim? Other than turkey dinner, that is. Does being a pilgrim have anything to do with freedom?
Quote #8
But there we have peace. And though we die as all men do and must struggle for our food, we need not think of danger. Our minds are not filled with fear. We do not endlessly contend with each other. I come to invite you to live with us. Your place is ready. (10.71)
If Inman's normal world is starting to look like The Hunger Games, the world described by the messenger in this story sounds more like Avatar's Pandora without the baddies. (This is from the story the Cherokee woman tells Inman about escaping to a different world; see our "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section for more.) Maybe freedom from fear is one of the most important kinds of freedom in Cold Mountain.
Quote #9
As a last resort, they could fast for the prescribed number of days and wait for the portals of the Shining Rocks to open and welcome them into the land of peace. (19.4)
This story about an escape into a better world, originally told to Inman by an old Cherokee woman, comes back over and over in Cold Mountain (see the "Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory" section for more). What's it saying about freedom? Maybe you can't be free without peace of mind.