How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
She retreated to a place by the window and watched Mother Barker pick up one of the cups, stand next to the bed, and spoon-feed the foreman. He slurped the tea thirstily. Abby smiled to herself at the picture of two old people loving their lives out. So that's what "in sickness and in health" means, she said to herself. (25.4)
The foreman is dying and Abby brings tea to him and Mother Barker, marveling at the love that flows between them as they prepare to part after spending their lives together. It's a terribly poignant chapter, so if you'll excuse us, we're off to grab some tissues to dab our eyes.
Quote #8
"Barker," she said so softly Abby had to strain her ears to hear, "you're the only husband I ever knew." (25.18)
Remember how Mother Barker says, "every man you marry is not your husband" (20.19)? Well, the foreman was her husband, through and through. That's true love, Shmoopers.
Quote #9
Lily said, "I guess I love him even though he strays. I believe he loves me. Sometimes I look at him and the love is so deep that my knees get weak. And Abby, sometimes he's so gentle." (27.28)
To be crystal clear, Lily is talking about her husband who regularly beats the Shmoop out of her and rapes her. Because of this, instead of seeing this passage as showing what love for someone else truly looks like, we might argue that it shows how devastating a lack of self love can be. Lily Norene somehow thinks her relationship with her husband shows love when all Abby can see are cuts and bruises all over her friend's body.