How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Great-grandmother had turned and, not looking back, slowly walked to her house. At the steps she held up her arm in a wave. Thomas hadn't needed to say anything. Within that wave was everything between them. (1.26)
Now that Thomas is moving, his grandmother won't be near him. He won't have access to her daily. Until they go back to visit, he'll just have his memories of her.
Quote #2
The house was a relic with secret passageways and rooms. In Civil War times it had been one of the houses on the Underground Railroad system. (2.4)
A "relic" as you might know, is something that has survived from far back in the past. The house is like a historical document. It can reveal truths about things that happened long ago. To live in such a house is Mr. Small's dream.
Quote #3
"Are there a lot of old people?" asked Thomas. "I mean in the town – old ones who remember everything and talk a lot, like Great-grandmother always did?" (2.65).
Thomas seems to really value memory and knowledge of the past. He also values those who hold the memories and are willing to tell them. We think he and Mr. Pluto could be great friends now that they've figured out who each other are.
Quote #4
It seemed to Thomas that his father talked best on Sunday. He always spoke of history—not only the history of black people, but American Indian history and the history of the Hebrew tribes. (9.16).
Mr. Small is in love with the past. It brings harmony to his present. Why do you think that is? Is there a connection between the three histories of the three groups of people that Thomas brings up? What research would you do to find out?
Quote #5
"…and the moonlight picnics. I remember them, Papa. And the hayrides. Why did they have to stop. Where did they go to?" (10. 12)
Thomas is remembering times with his church in North Carolina. It's not clear if the good things he remembers stopped when he was still living there, or if they stopped because of the move. It is clear that Thomas is feeling a wave of nostalgia, a longing for the past.
Quote #6
"Odd isn't it, Mr. Small, that the son and daughter of running slaves would find peace in the very sort of caves running slaves hid in?" (15.24)
This is Mayhew's memory of when his parents were together and happy, his family intact. He blames the town, the Darrows, and his father for destroying the happiness.
Quote #7
Mayhew laughed without smiling. "How foolish, that history could be more important than men!" (15.47)
Mayhew feels like his father could have used some of the treasure to get money to help make both of their lives easier. Mr. Pluto feels like preserving it for future generation is more important even than eating. Who is right? The story leaves it for each reader to decide.
Quote #8
"It's hard for a boy growing up without his father, not even being able to wish for him since he didn't like him to begin with." (19.57)
Mayhew seems to feel the pain of the past like it was yesterday. Part of why he didn't like his father is because he was ashamed. What are some other reasons? Do you think Mayhew is getting over the past now? Why or why not?