How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
"They're grateful people," said Meridian. "They appreciate it when someone volunteers to suffer." (1.1.74)
Unlike many of her activist friends, Meridian is more than willing to suffer alongside the country's poor and oppressed people. It's no wonder that the people love her no matter where she goes—she becomes one of them.
Quote #2
It was after all a group of students, of intellectuals, converted to a belief in violence only after witnessing the extreme violence, against black dissidents, of the federal government and police. (1.1.118)
Although our instinct might be to laugh this conversation off as a bunch of college students trying to act tough, you have to remember that this book takes place at a different time. During this era, formerly non-violent student groups were growing increasingly angry at the fact that their non-violent protests were met with nothing but bloodshed. Who can blame them for considering fighting fire with fire?
Quote #3
"I'll go back to the people, live among them, like Civil Rights workers used to do."
"You're not serious?" (1.1.162)
At Saxon, Meridian hangs out with a bunch of super-smart, passionate intellectuals. But there's one problem with super-smart, passionate intellectuals—they often lose sight of the individual in the midst of their broad political views.