How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I'm not asking you nothing about your background," Jones was saying, "but it seems to me 'Outlaw' can mean more than a single thing. It can just as soon mean your people got no protection from the law, so they was outside it, so to say. Way back when, how many black folks had any luck with law, anyhow?" (10.23)
This is one of the few subtle references to slavery and its effect on black Americans, especially their relationship to the law. It's an important one because it places Lurhetta in a long history of "outlaws" and signals her unconventional character—a person willing to think, speak, and act against prejudice.
Quote #8
Jones heaved the ice onto his shoulder and carried it through the parlor into the kitchen. Lurhetta Outlaw stared after him.
"Treat other people like that," she said, "like they were dirt."
She looked disgustedly at M.C. as though he had done something to hurt her. But he knew she was talking about Jones. Sounding like some stranger.
"You saw them. Not just 'other people,'" M.C. said, defending Jones. He didn't know why he felt he should. (10.117-120)
It takes guts to speak out against an injustice in front of the person to blame, and Lurhetta has ample guts. But what's interesting is how M.C. compares to Lurhetta. He instinctively sides with his father, even though prior to this moment, M.C. feels ashamed of the way his father treats the Killburn icemen.
Quote #9
Ben stared at him with the slightest sign of irritation.
Witchy eyes. Witchy fingers, M.C. thought meanly.
Lurhetta suddenly clutched Ben by the hand, as if his six fingers meant nothing to her. She started down into the hub, supporting herself on Ben's arm. (11.29-31)
Funny how competition over a girl can change your idea of your best friend and even turn you toward the most bigoted thoughts.