How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
My belly flipped with worry. I was breathing hard as if I'd run all the way to the village and back. This was the moment we'd been waiting for, the one that Momma promised would come. It was up to me to take care of things, to find a place for us. I had to be bold. (2.3)
Isabel's courage to step forward and address Mr. Robert regarding her freedom is the first time we start to suspect that Isabel's not one to just sit back and take orders. What's interesting, though, is that she seems to take for granted that she won't have to argue the finer points of Miss Mary's decision. Initially she's concerned about where she and Ruth will go once they're freed, unaware that the first step is still up for debate.
Quote #2
Poppa fought like a lion when they came for him, the strongest lion, roaring; it took five of them with hickory clubs, and then Momma fainted, and I caught baby Ruth and then there was lion's blood on the ground, mixed with the dust like the very earth was bleeding. (2.41)
If you want more information about how Poppa empowers Isabel's life in spite of his absence, you can check out his profile in the "Characters" section, as well as read up on him in the theme of family—but it's pretty clear that Isabel inherited his bravery in standing up for people he cares about. Poppa's willing to shed blood to keep his family together, while Isabel, too, is willing to die for Ruth, Curzon, and Lady Seymour.
Quote #3
Madam Lockton flew off the chest and pointed her finger at us. "Which one of you made that noise?" Her face flushed with rage, her eyes darting back and forth between us.
"I did, ma'am," I quickly lied. (5.71-72)
Is there someone whom you love enough to protect by taking a blow for them? Braving the pain to keep that person from experiencing it would take a lot of courage. Here, Isabel models the bravery that sacrifice requires by taking the responsibility for Ruth's laughter.