How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Now that Papá had become rich, he got invited to a lot of official parties and functions. (2.6.51)
Trujillo takes notice of whoever has money in the country, so that he can keep tabs on who has resources to make any moves against him. That way he can keep the rich on a short leash. Anyone who gets out of hand will be ruined in short order, like Sinita's family.
Quote #5
Meanwhile, Jaimito's father is calling on his colonel friend to see how the fire can be put out. Pedrito is visiting the in-laws of Don Petán, one of Trujillo's brothers, who are friends of his family. Whatever strings can be pulled, in other words, are being yanked. (2.6.164)
After the family leaves Trujillo's party early, they have to do everything they can to calm the general's wrath. Anyone who has any sort of social or political clout is being called upon to do what they can, put in a good word, or call in a favor to save the family's skins.
Quote #6
I am so hoping that now that Minerva has found a special someone, she'll settle down. I mean, I agree with her ideas and everything. I think people should be kind to each other and share what they have. But never in a million years would I take up a gun and force people to give up being mean.
Minerva calls me her little petit bourgeois. (2.7.73-74)
Mate hasn't yet come all the way over to the revolutionary side. She thinks that by marrying Minerva will get rid of her crazy communist ideas because she'll be entering into traditional society. That "never in a million years" thing is ironic, given that very soon Mate will be in the bomb-building business.