Roots: The Saga of an American Family Women and Femininity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

He wouldn't mind her being critical if she'd only keep it to herself, or do her criticizing in the company of other women, as it was done in Juffure. (64.3)

Kunta has difficulty reconciling his preference for Mandinka gender roles with Bell's distinctly American disposition, as evidenced by this passage. In the end, however, we're pretty sure Kunta would be bummed if Bell changed who she was to fit his expectations—she wouldn't be the woman he fell in love with.

Quote #8

[A]s Bell wove unsteadily toward him, she said softly in a slurred voice, "Now you done bought de cow, you gits all de milk you wants!" He was horrified to hear her talk so. (65.8)

This scene cracks us up so much that we just might use Bell's line next time we meet a cutie-pie. It would definitely work, right? Jokes aside, Kunta and Bell are a classic odd couple, with the stoic Kunta contrasting with the outspoken Bell. She might not be the woman he expected to marry, but he wouldn't have it any other way.

Quote #9

Bell was still angry that Kunta prevented her from helping him pick a name for the daughter she had just brought into the world. (68.31)

For her part, Bell isn't always enthused when her husband's African heritage takes the form of him acting like the boss of the household. Of course, Kunta's mom Binta was no delicate flower herself, and Bell might be encouraged if she knew that.