How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
M.C. did as he was told. And yet he felt a sullen anger at his father and an abiding admiration at the same time, he didn't know why. The hard-edge pain at his waist was now a dull kind of throb. He hosed Jones from head to foot, aware that he and his father greatly resembled one another. (3.115)
Is M.C. angry and admiring of his father because his father has authority over him? Is it that his father, just beforehand, wrestled M.C. to the ground? Or is it that he is similar to Jones? How would you feel if you had a rough, physically violent, but still caring relationship with your father?
Quote #8
"But you are all one family?"
"We are all relatives," Ben told her. "Just a few, maybe not so related. Sometimes a friend with nothing and no one." (12.21-22)
What a radically different concept of family than what the Higgins have. It's not that just anyone can belong to Ben's large, extended family—it's that they accept strangers in the first place. Ben's description of his family shows how overly insular the Higgins are, which also goes to show how the Higgins' legacy may not survive like the Killburns may. That's because the Higgins kids are completely isolated from the outside world. How would they continue the Higgins line if they never marry out?
Quote #9
"A gravestone?" Ben asked.
"Yes. He didn't have to do that," M.C. said, in the faintest voice, "but I'm glad he did."
"Let me see it," Harper said.
"See it," M.C. said. "It's Great-grandmother Sarah's." The markings were worn but the name was still readable.
"Why did your father bring it?" Ben wanted to know.
"Because," M.C. said. He thought a long moment, smoothing his hand over the stone. Finally he smiled. "To make the wall strong." (14.225-230)
Instead of letting the past haunt M.C., he puts it to use. All of a sudden, the past isn't some vague, spooky or abstract story; it's a gravestone that's going to make their wall stronger so that it can protect the living. M.C.'s showing his ability to put the past behind him in a purposeful way that, if you think about it, is actually respectful of his dead ancestors. He's preserving their legacy by preserving his family and homestead.