How we cite our quotes:
Quote #7
Although, to Truman, the rich were a cancer on the world, he would not mind being rich himself. (3.27.7)
Like Anne-Marion, Truman wants to be rich. That's the difference between the two of them and Meridian—Meridian practices what she preaches. It should be no surprise that Meridian is much more dedicated to the cause as well.
Quote #8
"I think that all of us who want the black and poor to have equal opportunities and goods in life will have to ask ourselves how we stand on killing, even if no one else ever does." (3.27.12)
Everything culminates with this. Although we have serious doubts that Meridian could actually kill someone (she seems way too kind-hearted), she feels so passionate about her cause that she believes that she could. At the start of the novel, Meridian would never have said "yes" to this proposition, but seeing the reality of poverty in America has changed her. The question is: was she changed for better or for worse?
Quote #9
The public white swimming pool, having been ordered, by the federal government, opened to blacks, was closed by city officials who were all rich and white. (3.27.31)
Rich people aren't all that concerned with a public swimming pool—after all, they all have their own private pools in their backyards. For the city's poor black residents, however, this is nothing less than a slap in the face—and a life-threatening one at that.