How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Stanza)
Quote #10
I think / he didn't care much / if he had some cancer / and took and died. / Figured he'd see Ma then, / he'd see my brother. / It'd be out of his hands. / He'd be out of the dust. (103.1)
As bad as things are for Billie Jo, Daddy's desire for death demonstrates that they're actually worse for him—having lost his wife, son, and land, he sees death as a welcome end to the tragedy his life has become. Even Billie Jo says that as badly as she wants to get away from home, she doesn't want to die (78.3). That Daddy would consider not getting his cancer treated to escape life shows the depth of his pain.