How we cite our quotes: Paragraph
Quote #4
At the foot of this hill was the place where a log was laid across the creek.
"Now comes the trial," said Phoenix. Putting her right foot out, she mounted the log and shut her eyes. Lifting her skirt, leveling her cane fiercely before her like a festival figure in some parade, she began to march across. Then she opened her eyes and she was safe on the other side. (11-12)
The great trial here is simply walking across a creek on a log. Of course, this is difficult for an older person without as much physical strength. And the text likens Phoenix's movement to that of a festival figure. Nevertheless, words like "fiercely" and "march" demonstrate intense determination and make Phoenix's trials important no matter how trivial they may seem to others.
Quote #5
"Glad this not the season for bulls," she said, looking sideways, "and the good Lord made his snakes to curl up and sleep in the winter. A pleasure I don't see no two-headed snake coming around that tree, where it come once. It took a while to get by him, back in the summer." (19)
Charging bulls? Two-headed snakes? Phoenix has had to face such monsters before, but not even the threat of encountering these creatures can keep her from her purpose. She is on alert, nervous and fearful, but Phoenix's determination is stronger than these feelings. The fact that Phoenix knows the habits of these animals also speaks to her dedication. It is clear Phoenix understands the path and the creatures that inhabit it from her faithful and regular journeys along it.
Quote #6
"On your way home?"
"No sir, I going to town."
"Why that's too far! That's as far as I walk when I come out myself, and I get something for my trouble." He patted the stuffed bag he carried, and there hung down a little closed claw. It was one of the bobwhites, with its beak hooked bitterly to show it was dead. "Now you go on home, Granny!"
"I bound to go to town, mister." (41-44)
The hunter points out reasons why Phoenix should give up—the distance she has to travel is too great, and she will make no material profit from traveling that distance. Pshaw. Phoenix could care less. She makes no excuses and plays like a champ.