Go Tell It on the Mountain Race Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

In details such as this he was always very easy—he would always put on a clean shirt, or get his hair cut, or come with her to Uplift meetings where they heard speeches by prominent Negroes about the future and duties of the Negro race. (2.1.73)

For Florence, it's very important to be ambitious and to try to improve one's situation. When her husband behaves himself, obeying her, it's all in matters of appearance. His clothes and hair are, for her, signs that he is trying to better himself. Going to Uplift meetings were another way she convinced herself he was a good guy.

Quote #5

"Where you expect us to live, honey, where we ain't going to be with n*****s?" (2.1.98)

Unfortunately, all of Florence's ambitions fall on deaf ears with Frank. He doesn't see any way out of their situation, so he doesn't see any reason to try. Florence wants to live among educated people, not with slackers like Frank's friends. Her use of the perjorative "n*****" refers to black people with a lack of ambition.

Quote #6

"I thought I married a man with some get up and go to him, who didn't just want to stay on the bottom all his life!"

"And what you want me to do, Florence? You want me to turn white?" (2.1.103-04)

Unlike Florence, Frank doesn't believe in any kind of racial uplift ideology. For him, the way the world is makes it impossible for him to move up; he would have to be white, which is impossible.