How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Breakfast was good, although no more than what a poor artisan could afford—milk and ale, gruel, sausages, and corn bread. Everything was plentiful and well cooked. The kitchen was as clean or cleaner than many of those in great houses. Every member of the household had a clean shirt or petticoat. Mrs. Lapham was a great manager, but she cared nothing for genteel manners and was the first to laugh at Dorcas's "If it please you, Mother—just a touch more maple syrup for me." "Gimme that there syrup pitcher" was good enough for her. (1.2.6)
This paragraph gives us a great snapshot of what life in the Lapham house is like and what the expectations are for those living in it. How does it contrast with Johnny's later life with the Lornes and with his glimpses of life in the Lyte house?
Quote #2
Neither of the girls had ever heard of a poor working boy with three names. "You're not making it up?" Cilla asked, almost respectfully. "I've heard tell of folk with three names, but I never saw one before." (1.4.14)
In the eighteenth century, you were a pretty big deal if you had three names. When we consider that it was only in the last few centuries that everyone started to get last names, we can see why that is. Why does Johnny's name impress the girls? Why does he suddenly decide to tell them when he's always kept his middle name a secret?
Quote #3
"Any back-alley drabtail can name her child for the greatest men in the colony. There should be a law against it, but there is none."
Johnny's temper began to go.
"You flatter yourself. What have you ever done except be rich?" (4.1.32-34)
Johnny's first meeting with Mr. Lyte doesn't go quite as well as he'd hoped, and it turns out Mr. Lyte isn't quite as awesome as he thought he'd be. Could Johnny have gotten his temper from the Lytes? It looks like it might be a family trait. Why does Mr. Lyte refuse to believe he and Johnny could actually be related? Do their attitudes toward each other change by the end of the novel?