How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Alexandra drove off alone. The rattle of her wagon was lost in the howling of the wind, but her lantern, held firmly between her feet, made a moving point of light along the highway, going deeper and deeper into the dark country. (1.1.33)
Symbolism alert. As Alexandra drives home on this dark, windy night, her lantern is a point of calm resistance and resilience. It calls to mind Alexandra's own refusal to let herself be extinguished, even when conditions on the Divide seem impossible.
Quote #2
A pioneer should have imagination, should be able to enjoy the idea of things more than the things themselves. (1.4.1)
A pioneer perseveres in the hardest of conditions because he or she has "imagination"—a pioneer is always able to envision a better world. Well, it seems many of the people on the Divide don't exactly fit this description.
Quote #3
"I'm afraid they are beginning to feel hard toward me because I won't listen to any talk about going. Sometimes I feel like I'm getting tired of standing up for this country." (1.4.14)
Alexandra is pretty darn committed to staying on the Divide and creating a successful farm. It's everything her father ever wanted, right? Well sometimes, as in this passage, she wonders whether it's worth it. Alexandra perseveres, but she runs the risk of sacrificing her relationship with her family.