How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Like Martha I have always been agitated and troubled by the cares of the day but my mother had a serene and loving heart. She was like Mary and had chosen the "good" part. (1.11)
In the New Testament's Gospel of Luke, Jesus and his disciples visit the home of two women named Mary and Martha. Mary's all, "Oh Jesus! Let me sit at your feet and wash them with my hair," while Martha is all, "ugh, Mary, could you maybe help me with the dishes?" In other words, Mary lets the housework go so she can hang out with Jesus, while Martha is too busy worry about mundane details to appreciate that Jesus himself is in her house.
Quote #2
Some people might say, well, what business is it of Frank Ross to meddle? My answer is this: he was trying to do that short devil a good turn. Chaney was a tenant and Papa felt responsibility. He was his brother's keeper. Does that answer your question? (1.15)
Mattie doesn't seem like much of a reader, but she sure does know her Bible. At just about any given time—like this imaginary conversation with "some people"—she can drop in Bible verses to justify her position.
Quote #3
The Indian was next and he said, "I am ready. I have repented my sins and soon I will be in heaven with Christ my savior. Now I must die like a man." If you are like me you probably think of Indians as heathens. But I will ask you to recall the thief of the cross. He was never baptized and never even heard of catechism and yet Christ himself promised him a place in heaven. (2.13)
Hm. Is the Indian being serious here—or is he just saying what he thinks his Christian audience wants to hear? Or is Mattie just remembering what she wishes he'd said?