How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Why don't they just use boats?"
"For these people?" Tool looked around at their fellow waders. "They are not worth it."
"Still, someone could make a boardwalk. It wouldn't even cost that much."
"Spending money on the poor is like throwing money into a fire. They'll just consume it and never thank you," Tool said. (17.58-61)
As Nita, Nailer, and Tool cross the river in Orleans with the rest of the poor, Nita wonders why people who are wealthy don't try to make life better for the poor. And Tool has some pretty harsh words for the poor: They'll take and never give back. Is this an accurate world view in this novel? What about in real life? Is Nita's view too naïve?
Quote #8
Nailer had expected Nita's prissy distaste for the slums of the Orleans to continue, but she adapted quickly, with a fierce attention to whatever Tool and Nailer taught…she also showed a determination to carry her weight that Nailer was forced to respect. (18.3)
Although class is a huge divider in the novel, Nita proves that she, a swank, can cross class lines and adjust to what life throws at her. How is it significant, though, that a person from the upper classes (Nita) is adjusting to life in poverty and not the other way around? Would Nailer be able to act like a swank as easily as Nita's acting like a ship breaker?
Quote #9
The captain saw a ship breaker, tattooed with work stamps and scarred with hard labor. A kid with his ribs showing through. That was all. A bit of beach trash.
Nailer stared at him. "Lucky Girl used to look at me the same way you're looking at me. And now she doesn't. That's why I'm going with you." (19.117-118)
Here's where we see some positives coming from the experiences Nailer and Nita have shared. Even though they come from two different social strata, their common experiences have caused them to overcome their prejudices about the other class.