How we cite our quotes: Chapter, Paragraph
Quote #4
"All of England was a little crumb to the west of a mighty hill. On the summit stood a castle, with towers from which grew fruit trees.
"Jerusalem," explained Father Joseph reverently, "is the center of the world." (12.34)
Even though Jerusalem was kind of the definition of "foreignness" to them, England considers it the center of their world. Why? Because it's the center of the Church—where Jesus lived. This only amps up Edmund's excitement about going there. Compared to Jerusalem, England's like a tiny dot on the periphery of the map.
Quote #5
"The pagans we call Mussulmen. I know little about them, I am pleased to say. They have taken the Holy City from the Christians, but I am certain, Edmund, that they look in great measure as we do." (13.27)
Edmund and Hubert, in their lack of experience, think that the people who live in the Holy Land look like monsters. Nigel corrects them and assures them that even though they may be a little barbaric, they're just normal human beings. Two legs, ten fingers, classic people stuff. Talk about having no knowledge of the outside world.
Quote #6
A line of turbaned, bearded men gazed down at us, with a show of smiles. The cloths on their heads were brilliant colors, a dyer's pride, plum scarlet, peacock blue. The swords at their hips were crescents, like the early moon, and the sun flashed from the steel. (14.36)
This is the first glimpse of the foreign world that the Crusaders see as they get close to Venice. It sounds like something from Aladdin, too. The men are wearing turbans and bright colors, and their swords are even shaped differently—like a scimitar rather than the straight Crusader weapons.