How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"Ain't you going down for the ferry?"
"I hadn't thought to."
"It wouldn't hurt you to think a little. Your mother's likely to have heavy groceries."
"Caroline's with her, Grandma."
"You know full well that little child ain't got the strength to carry heavy groceries.
I could have said several things but all of them were rude, so I kept my mouth shut.
"Why do you look at me like that?" she asked.
"Like what?"
"With bullets in your eyes. Like you want to shoot me dead. All I want you to do is help your poor mother." (4.28-36)
Another gem of a conversation with Grandma. This lady has it in for her granddaughter, but this little back-and-forth speaks to a major theme in the Bradshaw family—Caroline is weak and helpless, while Louise is strong and capable.
Quote #5
No one had told me to turn over all the money I made crabbing. I just always had. When I started, I guess, it hadn't occurred to me that it was mine to keep. We always lived so close to the edge of being poor. It made me feel proud to be able to present the family with a little something extra to hold on to. While my parents never carried on much over it, I was always thanked. When my grandmother would criticize me, I could remember, even if the laws of respect kept me silent, that I was a contributing member of the household in which she and Caroline were little more than parasites. It was a private comfort. (6.55)
This is kind of messed up. Sure, Louise's parents might love her, but she also feels like she needs to contribute to the family to feel like she's really an important part of it. Caroline has things handed to her, but Louise needs to go out and get them herself.
Quote #6
I cannot explain why, seeing how the storm had affected our family's finances, I never told anyone that I had almost fifty dollars hidden away. Among the first things that had to be given up were Caroline's mainland voice and piano lessons. Even on generous scholarships, the transportation was too much for our slender resources. I suppose it is to Caroline's credit that she seldom sulked about this deprivation. She continued to practice regularly with the hope that spring would mark the end of a successful oyster season and give us the margin we needed to continue her trips to Salisbury. I might say to my own credit, as I needed every bit of credit available in those days, that I did not rejoice over Caroline's misfortune. I never hated the music. In fact, I took pride in it. But though it occurred to me to offer the money I had saved to help her continue her lessons, I was never quite able to admit that I had put it away. Besides, it was not that much money—and it was mine. I had earned it. (14.3)
It's tough times for the Bradshaw family, but Louise can't quite bring herself to mention that she has some extra money. We kind of don't blame her. Would Caroline really care? Would it change anything between them? We doubt it.