How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"So we hold up our torch—and do not forget it was lighted upon the fires of England—and we will set it as a new sun to lighten a world…"
[…]
Joseph Warren's fair, responsive face was aflame. The torch Otis had been talking about seemed reflected in his eyes.
"We are lucky men," he murmured, "for we have a cause worth dying for. This honor is not given to every generation." (8.5.45, 47-48)
There's a lot of talk about English liberty in this book and a lot of giving props to Britain for its awesome history and ideas. This makes sense in the context of its composition. During World War II, the United States and Great Britain were allies, and it's good for allies to get along. Forbes speaks directly to her contemporaries when she has Doctor Warren say that people who have a cause worth dying for are lucky. How might this have affected World War II-era readers?
Quote #5
The sun was bright that day with only breeze enough to ruffle the horses' manes, flaunt scarlet riding capes, float the flag of England. Johnny was an Englishman. The sullen, rebellious people standing about watching Percy and his staff approaching, waiting for the brigade to march, all were Englishmen. That flag—it stood for Magna Carta, the Bill of Rights, Charles the First's head upon a block, centuries of struggle for "English liberty." But over here there had grown up a broader interpretation of the word "liberty": no man to be ruled or taxed except by men of his own choice. But we are still fighting for "English liberty," and don't you forget it. French slaves to the north of us, Spanish slaves to the south of us. Only English colonies are allowed to taste the forbidden fruit of liberty—we who grew up under England. Johnny thought of James Otis's words. Upholding the torch of liberty—which had been lighted on the fires of England.
Not since the soldiers had come to Boston had Johnny removed his hat when the British flag went by except once when it had been knocked off his head by a soldier. He started to remove it now—for the first time and doubtless the last. Thought better of it—It was too late. He knew the shooting had begun. (11.2.16-17)
There's a reason we hear the term Anglo-American tossed around a lot. The United States and the United Kingdom are often viewed as two sides of the same coin—or perhaps as relatives. As this passage demonstrates, it's one history that diverges at the American colonies, and many of the ideals of revolution had been simmering in Britain for centuries. We think this is one of the saddest scenes in the book, when Johnny tries to salute the British flag for old times's sake and realizes he can't because his new country is at war with Britain. Sniff.
Quote #6
A man, standing by Johnny with clenched hands and head thrust down and out like a bull's, said thickly, "They go out by 'Yankee Doodle,' but they'll dance to it before night."
Johnny saw a group of women, and they were nodding their heads, whispering a prophecy, "Before night they'll be dancing." This catch-phrase was everywhere. It did not seem to have gone from mouth to mouth, but from mind to mind. (11.3.1-2)
The British played "Yankee Doodle" to insult the Americans. Just check out the lyrics to see why the Brits thought this would work in the first place. Yankee Doodle is a ridiculous figure who's trying to pretend he's cooler than he is, which is what the British think about the colonials. These angry people—who have had enough of being mocked by Britain—are saying that after a day's fighting the British will be singing a different tune. How does what Johnny sees on his journey from Boston to Lexington support that?