How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The people took more pride in the duel than in all the other events put together, perhaps. It was a glory to their town to have such a thing happen there. In their eyes the principals had reached the summit of human honor. (15.2)
Really? The duel between Luigi and Driscoll is the summit of human honor? Looks like our narrator's at it again: using exaggeration to subtly poke fun of the townspeople's questionable judgment.
Quote #8
"Tom, Tom, you have lifted a heavy load from my heart; I was stung to the very soul when I seemed to have discovered that I had a coward in my family."
"You may imagine what it cost me to assume such a part, uncle." (15.69-70)
Tom playing the part of coward—yeah, that's definitely a stretch.
Quote #9
"Den I see a canoe, en I says dey ain't no use to drown myself tell I got to; so I ties de hoss in de edge o' de tiber en shove out down de river, keepin' in under de shelter o' de bluff bank en prayin' for de dark to shet down quick." (18.14)
Remember how way back in the beginning of the novel Roxy was all set to jump into the river and end it all? Well, here she imagines suicide as a last resort which some might say shows growth in her courage to face her troubles.