How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
At that moment, Sykes and Bertha arrived. A determined silence fell on the porch and the melon was put away again. (46)
It's pretty striking that after talking so much smack about Sykes, not one guy says a word to his face about flaunting his mistress around. Their silence says a whole bunch about society and, more generally, the frustrating (in)actions of men.
Quote #2
The men returned soon after they left, and held their watermelon feast. (52)
Huh? Why do Joe Clarke's customers scatter when Sykes arrives and reappear right after? We think Hurston is saying something pretty critical about society in this scene—people sure know how to talk the talk, but few can walk the walk.
Quote #3
The village soon heard that Sykes had the snake, and came to see and ask questions. (69)
Hold on just a minute…are they coming to ask questions about the snake or about why he'd bring it home in the first place when his wife has a phobia? All of their questions are about the snake, where Sykes caught it, and what they'd do with it. They ask absolutely no questions about Delia, which shows the lack of real support in the community.