How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"What's the matter?"
The pain in my heart made it impossible for me to speak.
"Tell me," he coaxed.
"Zachariah..."
"What?"
"You're... a black man."
"That I am. But this state of Rhode Island where we're going, it has no more slaves." He suddenly checked himself. "Or am I wrong?"
"A black man, Zachariah, a common sailor, testifying against a white officer..." I didn't have the heart to finish. (17.36-17.43)
Even though Zachariah is a free man in America, he must still battle inequalities. Because Zachariah is both a black man and a common sailor, the captain (who's white and an officer) will have the advantage in a court of law. (Notice how race and class are closely bound together.) We see that it's not just Captain Jaggery who's the problem; it's the society that favors him. That's how oppression works: it's not just individuals, but whole systems that work to privilege some and not others. Bummer.
Quote #8
In the ship's waist, on the starboard side, he had assembled the crew in two rows, some sitting on the deck, the rest standing behind the front rank. Before them – atop the central cargo hatch - a chair had been placed. The captain hurried me past the crew – none of whom would look me in the eye – and instructed me to sit in the chair, saying it would serve as the prisoner's dock.
Now he took his place in one of his fine cabin chairs. It had been set up high behind the quarterdeck rail, a rail that he pounded sharply with the butt of his pistol. (18.2-18.3)
The captain's sense of justice is highly theatrical: notice how the deck of the ship becomes a stage for him to put on his show trial. Is this captain administering justice or simply the appearance of it? Does the courtroom setting guarantee that Charlotte will receive a fair trial? The fact that he's using a gun as a gavel is also interesting. What does this image suggest about the captain's personal brand of judgment?
Quote #9
It's odd perhaps, but I was not frightened. I assumed we could succeed with our plan. Oh, what a power of faith in justice I had then! (20.80)
On the eve of the second mutiny, Charlotte remains staunchly optimistic; however, does she still have faith in justice at the end of the novel? If so, why does she reject society and return to the high seas?