How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #7
HALLY. Correct. If [Joan of Arc] was captured today, she'd be given a fair trial.
SAM. And then the death sentence. (390-392)
Oh, wait, scratch the comments on burning at the stake. Hally and Sam have put their finger on one of the ironies of modernity. Our methods for violence might be more progressive (i.e., no more burning witches), but we still get the job done (e.g., electrocution, hanging, firing squad, lethal injection...).
Quote #8
HALLY. Somebody was always complaining about the food, or my mother was having a fight with Micky Nash because she'd caught her with a petty officer in her room. (702-705)
Hally grew up in a fairly chaotic environment, so perhaps that's why he behaves the way he does. It might not seem so bad – just complaining and arguing, but when it's as constant as he describes it, we can see how it would affect a young kid. Hally's used to bickering and conflict; it comes easily, and it shows in his behavior. As soon as he gets stressed out, he goes on the attack.
Quote #9
(Sam and Willie start to tidy up the tea room. Hally doesn't move. He waits for a moment when Sam passes him.)
HALLY. (quietly) Sam…
(Sam stops and looks expectantly at the boy. HALLY spits in his face. A long and heartfelt groan from Willie. For a few seconds Sam doesn't move.) (1755-1761)
Coming right after Hally tries to provoke Sam by telling a demeaning racist joke, this particular instance of violence is almost unbearable to read or watch. It's not just the fact that one character hurts another; rather it's the humiliation of a grown man being reduced to an object of total contempt by a boy he loves. And the understanding that the black man's helpless to respond with violence.