How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
My momma and poppa appeared from the shadows. They flew to me and wrapped their arms around me and cooled my face with their ghost tears. (23.20)
Isabel's branding at the order of Madam Lockton is one of the most horrifying moments she experiences. Like her initial voyage to New York, Isabel deals with traumatic situations by summoning the spirits of her parents into her mind and imagining their comfort.
Quote #8
Christmas at home had meant eating Momma's bread pudding with maple syrup and nutmeg, and reading the Gospel of Matthew out loud whilst Ruth played in Momma's lap. I was miles away from celebrating like that. (38.5)
There's a reason why Christmas is often a tough time of year for many people—it's loaded with nostalgia, which can become especially potent for those who have lost loved ones. Isabel gives us a picture here of the loving, spiritual Christmases her family celebrated even in the midst of slavery, including such vivid detail that we can feel her sadness and longing for better times.
Quote #9
I heard Madam ask the doctor plain when the old lady would die. The doctor could not answer her. (41.21)
Seriously? Who says stuff like that? Like Robert Finch's conduct when his sister passes away, the Locktons are pretty much just waiting for Lady Seymour to die so they can get her money; they don't like her and see her as a burden. The thing that makes this truly sick, though, is that Madam advertises her desire for Lady Seymour's demise. The Locktons provide another example of a dysfunctional family that remains together while Isabel's loving home is blown apart.