Ship Breaker Loyalty Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

An entire team mobilized instantly at the invocation of Lucky Girl's name. Astonishing to see the value these people placed on her. Until recently, Nailer had mostly though of her as just a rich girl who bought the muscle she needed, but here was something else, this clustered tribe of weaponry and purpose. Total loyalty. More intense even than crew loyalty in the ship-breaking yards. (19.3)

What is it about Nita and her father's company that can inspire this kind of loyalty? Has she become a symbol, and if so, what does she symbolize?

Quote #8

Knot's eyes hardened. His nostrils flared and his teeth showed slightly behind curling lips. "I do not wish it," the half-man growled. (21.20)

Nailer asks Knot if he would ever, could ever work for someone else, and Knot responds with this comment. We know that half-men are engineered to be loyal to their masters, though, so we have to think about how much of Knot's loyalty is genetically manipulated and how much is due to Captain Candless's actions and character.

Quote #9

"You wouldn't ever work for Pyce?"

Sharp teeth showed. A low growl issued. "He is nothing. He turned against us." (21.35)

Nailer pursues the issue of loyalty and betrayal with Knot, and Knot indicates that loyalty can't be bought or sold. Think about how this is similar to the loyalty among Nailer's crew and so different from Richard's crew. Plus, Knot responds to betrayal with the threat of violence. How are loyalty and betrayal tied to violence?