How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Stanza)
Quote #1
At least [the rabbits] didn't end up in / Romney and Noble's cook pots. / They went to families / that needed the meat. (2.4)
As ridiculous as the rabbit battle is, Billie Jo takes heart in knowing that there are positive outcomes to the rivalry. Families who have been struggling to fill their cupboards can have meat, which is probably a really big deal for people having trouble getting by.
Quote #2
Livie / helped clean up her own party, / wiping spilled lemonade, / gathering sandwich crusts, / sweeping cookie crumbs from the floor, / while the rest of us went home / to study for semester reviews. (3.5)
This might look like a huge act of selflessness, but it's also terribly sad. Because Livie's going away to California—and facing a very uncertain future—there's no point in her going home with everyone else to study. Instead she stays behind to clean up. It's a painful reminder that because of her family's condition, education will probably be an inconsistent part of her childhood from this point forward.
Quote #3
Daddy is thinking / of taking a loan from Mr. Roosevelt and his men, / to get some new wheat planted / where the winter crop has spindled out and died. / Mr. Roosevelt promises / Daddy won't have to pay a dime / till the crop comes in. (14.1)
A great thing about Out of the Dust is all the ways Hesse adds historical detail to the story. In particular, we get a lot of glimpses of the government's extensive efforts to restore the people living in the Dust Bowl from poverty. Seeing the characters interact with these real-life recovery plans makes the story that much more authentic.