How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
They talked and the mute's expression changed as he watched them. It was a funny thing. The reason – was it in them or in him? He sat very still with his hands in his pockets, and because he did not speak it made him seem superior. What did that fellow think and realize? (2.2.77)
Biff recognizes that the Singer these people think they know is really just a figment of their imaginations. But Biff wants to know the real Singer? We're with you, Biff. We want to know, too.
Quote #8
But the words often stuck in his mouth, and his voice now was hoarse and not loud as it had been before. He pushed the words into the sick and patient faces of the Negroes who were his people. (2.3.39)
The physical details here about Copeland's voice reveal a huge shift going on in his identity – he spends the novel transforming from an active community leader to a sick, old man whose life is nearing an end.
Quote #9
"It was like being born a second time. Just us who know can understand what it means. We have opened our eyes and have seen. We're like people from way off yonder somewhere. (2.4.12)
Hmm. Being born a second time? That sounds pretty religious to Shmoop. In a lot of ways, both Jake and Copeland are like zealous preachers; they've just substituted politics and philosophy for God.