The Unvanquished Duty Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)

Quote #7

We sat down in our pew, like before there was a war only for Father: Granny still and straight in her Sunday calico dress and the shawl and the hat Mrs Compson had loaned her a year ago, straight and quiet with her hands holding her prayer book in her lap like always, though there hadn't been an Episcopal service in the church in almost three years now. (4.2.1)

The plantation family and the folks that live in the surrounding countryside continue to fulfill their religious duty and attend church services once a week. That commitment brings together some social classes that had been separated before the war, and the religion begins to create a new community of Southerners.

Quote #8

Each time Granny would make them tell what they intended to do with the money; and now she would make them tell her how they had spent it, and she would look at the book to see whether they had lied or not. (4.2.5)

Granny's mule-stealing business isn't used just for personal gain; Granny takes the proceeds and invests it in the community, letting everybody have a piece of the Yankee pie. She holds everyone to a high standard though, forcing them to be honest about what they will use the money for.

Quote #9

Then the wet red dirt began to flow into the grave, with the shovels darting and flicking slow and steady and the hill men waiting to take turns with the shovels because Uncle Buck would not let anyone spell him with his. (5.1.3)

The oldest guy in town, Uncle Buck doesn't let his age stop him. He feels a strong duty toward Granny, her family, and also the tradition of a proper burial. That commitment is probably what gives him the strength to keep digging longer than anybody else.