How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
The back portion was still aflame, but the front was a tumble of black smoking wood but for the brick steps that now rose toward nothing but singed air. A man in silhouette sat in a ladder back chair directly in front of the steps. The man watched the flames, seemingly oblivious to the workers who rushed and shouted around him. On the ground beside the chair was an empty ten-gallon canister of kerosene. (32.12)
In the end, McDowell sinks to the Pembertons' level. He figures that if he can't beat them, he should join them. His frustration is pretty understandable, especially since he's trying to hold the Pembertons accountable but no one else seems to want to. But does he have to give up his principles in the process?
Quote #8
"We had to feed our families," Henryson said.
"Yes, we did," Ross agreed. "What I'm wondering is how we'll feed them once all the trees is cut and the jobs leave." (35.17)
The workers convince themselves they had no other choice but to work for a corrupt couple because they had to support their families. But doesn't that sound like the beginnings of what every un-principled person says to themselves? The first step is justification.
Quote #9
"He deserved better than he got, McDowell did. He lived and died by his own rights. If I had it to do over, I'd as lief have killed him quick." (37.96)
Galloway says this about McDowell. Even though the sheriff purposely spills the beans about what Pemberton did to destroy his nemesis, Galloway has mad respect for McDowell. The guy did the right thing, and that's something that Galloway wishes he'd remembered in the end—you know, when he killed McDowell.