How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"You going to eat that rabbit for supper?" Ben asked him. Something of their friendship of a few hours ago passed between them. Ben, innocent, and learning from M.C. But on the Mound, somehow that friendship was changing. (12.173)
Ben's and M.C.'s friendship is changing because on the Mound Ben's the more knowledgeable one. Or at least his family is. The Killburns live in a completely different way from the Higgins, and even though M.C. feels weird while he's there, he also recognizes that the Killburns' way of living isn't necessarily a bad one. For one, they have more food than Ben has ever seen. Plus, there's Lurhetta—she sides with Ben, which throws everything off-kilter with the boys.
Quote #8
"I come so far," Lewis said gently, "because I suspected that voice had to be out here." He bent down on one knee next to M.C. "No. I knew it was here, like these hills were here unspoiled and beautiful in my father's time. See, so I come back to save her voice before it goes, the way these hills are going. But M.C., I never meant to hurt you or anyone, that's the God's truth. And I guess I have." (13.73)
Lewis is like the grim reaper signaling imminent death. Of course, his intentions are good. Who can fault the fact that he wants to preserve the voices of the hills before the hills become unlivable and their traditions and folksongs disappear? So it's kind of ironic: On one hand, Lewis is all about not changing anything; on the other hand, his very presence means things are definitely going to change—and not in a good way either.
Quote #9
His pants were muddy and his shirt was wet from hitting branches. The fog wasn't going to clear and no sun would come to dry up the night rains. But the thickness of mist would get thinner and thinner, until it had the look of metal with no shine.
My pole.
He'd forgot even to glance at it. (14.53-55)
You know M.C. has changed when he doesn't even remember to look at his pole. Not clear on why that is? Get thee to the "Symbolism" section, stat.