How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Stanza)
Quote #1
Those men, [Mr. Noble and Mr. Romney] / they used to be best friends. / Now they can't be civil with each other. (2.4)
If you recall, Mr. Noble and Mr. Romney are the guys who were archival rivals in the rabbit wars. Evidently, the harsh conditions of the land have the ability to tear apart friendships as well as lives.
Quote #2
We haven't had a good crop in three years, / not since the bounty of '31 / and we're all whittled down to the bone these days, / even Ma, with her new round belly, / but still, / when the committee came asking, / Ma donated. (8.1)
While hard times often inspire greed, Ma demonstrates here that it's not all bad. She knows that compared to others, her family is well off and chooses to have compassion for those in need, even if it means her own family being less comfortable.
Quote #3
Ma starts to quaking, but she won't let Daddy see. / Instead, she goes out to the chickens / and / her anger, / simmering over like a pot in an empty kitchen, / boils itself down doing chores. (21.11)
Even before her death, Ma sets an example for Billie Jo of how to show patience and compassion to others. Rather than pick a fight with Daddy after he rejects her idea for the pond, she spends the negative energy doing something positive for her family so she can forgive him and move on.