How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
A law on the books said that black people weren't allowed in Illinois. We paid no attention to that, of course. There were plenty of black people in the state. And they were all free. (4.5)
There were a lot of crazy laws about race in 19th-century America. And, uh, also in 20th-century America. Let's hope those are all off the books now.
Quote #2
When the curtain rose again, it was a minstrel show with a line of men in chairs. The orchestra was black men. But the minstrels were white men who'd rubbed burnt cork on their faces to look black. You could see the white skin behind their ears. (8.26)
Minstrel shows were very popular entertainment across the United States well into the 20th century because, well, even people who fought to end slavery thought racism was hilarious. These shows are yet another thing we're glad to leave in the past.
Quote #3
Another silence fell while the doctor saw he was in a room with too many women. She turned to him, showing us her hawk's profile. "Ah declare, Doctor, just see what you have brought me. A colored gal." (12.10)
Apparently Delphine can fool everyone else, but nothing gets past Mrs. Hanrahan. Especially not rent money. What's up with that? Does it matter that Mrs. Hanrahan is Irish?