How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"He shall do whatever he wants to," Alexandra declared warmly. "He is going to have a chance, a whole chance; that's what I've worked for." (2.4.8)
In the same way Alexandra tries to erase her own efforts to create a successful farm, claiming that "the land did it" (2.4.4), she also claims that she's working for the benefit of others. In this case, it almost sounds like she's trying to live through Emil, passing all the benefits of her hard work onto him.
Quote #8
Marie's face fell under his brooding gaze. She looked down at his wet leggings. "I'm sure Alexandra hopes you will stay on here," she murmured.
"Then Alexandra will be disappointed," the young man said roughly. "What do I want to hang around here for? Alexandra can run the farm all right, without me. I don't want to stand around and look on. I want to be doing something on my own account." (2.8.28-29)
Alexandra might have grand plans for her little brother, Emil, but he's got a mind all his own, thank-you-very-much. He's not content to be part of her dream. He wants to go out and do something on his "own account." Well, that's what he'll do, all right…
Quote #9
When everything is done and over for one at twenty-three, it is pleasant to let the mind wander forth and follow a young adventurer who has life before him. (3.1.40)
In commenting on Marie like this, the narrator tries to convince us of her hopeless position. After marrying Frank and settling down to a frontier life on the Divide, Marie's future is all but closed off. But the there's Emil, whose freedom and adventurous spirit are so tempting…