How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
I kept silent, sensing that Jarvas was provoking me into saying something that might give him an excuse to stab me. I bore the stream of filth he and his cohorts spewed at me, for I knew that it was better to act a coward and live than to act a hero and end up six feet under.
"What have you to say, wimp?" Jarvas sneered. "Will you fight, or will you hide behind your mama's apron like a little girl?"
"I'll fight in the next fight," I said. (31.18-20)
The gang is not going to let Mark leave without a fight. Although Mark recognizes the necessity of staying away from violence, he is afraid and agrees to fight.
Quote #5
On the way home, voices kept ringing in my head. Why do you fight when you don't want to? It could easily have been you with the gouged eye. Are you willing to pay such a price for conformity? Leave the gang, leave it now, while you still have both eyes, and your life; leave it now and be called a wimp for the rest of your life, if need be; but do not needlessly, recklessly and foolishly jeopardize your future.
I never again fought for any gang. (31.25-26)
Mark draws a line in the sand, realizing he doesn't want to lead a life that will get him killed. He'll take his books and tennis and run for his life.
Quote #6
My mother, when she heard the full story behind my decision, heaved a deep sigh of relief and said, 'You had two paths to choose from, just like every black boy in Alexandra: to become a tsotsi, or not to become a tsotsi. You chose the difficult way out. From now on, the going will be rough, for your tsotsi friends will try everything to make you change your mind. I hope you will remain firm in your decision. If you do, chances are you'll live to be old enough not to regret it."
My father in a typical remark said, "Watch out they don't kill you." He paused, then added, "Maybe it's about time I sent you to a school back in the homelands, where they'll make a warrior out of you." (31.29-30)
Mama is relieved that Mark has chosen not to be violent. Ironically, his father suggests his way out of one kind of violence is learning another kind – the life of a Venda warrior.