How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Stacey and I carried cans of milk and butter, and Christopher-John and Little Man each had a jar of beef and a jar of crowder peas which Mama and Big Ma had canned. Mrs. Berry took the food, her thanks intermingled with questions about Big Ma, Papa, and others" (4.248)
The Logans take care of the less fortunate members of their community. It even seems like they feel this is part of their responsibility, since they're a bit more privileged than others.
Quote #2
"What if someone would be willing to make the trip for you? Go all the way to Vicksburg and bring back what you need?" (4.261)
Here, we see the beginning of Mama's future community organizing activities. The wheels are turning in her head to find a way to help out the neighboring families to have a choice of where they shop.
Quote #3
"Mr. Avery come by after y'all was asleep last night wanting T.J. to go to Strawberry to do some shopping for a few things he couldn't get at the Wallace store. Lord, that's all I need with all the trouble about is for that child to talk me to death for twenty-two miles." (5.5)
So, the secret is out: this is why Cassie all of a sudden gets her big break and is allowed to go to the market in Strawberry for the first time—because Big Ma doesn't want to hear T.J. run his mouth the whole way with no one else to serve as a "buffer" between them. But here's the catch: we think Big Ma would have taken T.J. by herself anyway. That's just the kind of community spirit she embodies.
Quote #4
"What we give to our own people is far more important because it's given freely. Now you may have to call Lillian Jean 'Miss' because the white people say so, but you'll also call our own young ladies at church 'Miss' because you really do respect them." (6.94)
Cassie here learns a major lesson, although it doesn't sink in right away. Mama teaches her the difference between empty respect and earned respect. Being forced to address someone as "Miss" isn't true respect, so Cassie shouldn't feel humiliated.
Quote #5
Through the evening Papa and Uncle Hammer and Big Ma and Mr. Morrison and Mama lent us their memories, acting out their tales with stageworthy skills, imitating the characters in voice, manner, and action so well that the listeners held their sides with laughter. (7.42)
How does this type of storytelling work to strengthen bonds between members of the family and the community? Are there parallel examples of the children also engaging in such storytelling?
Quote #6
After the church services, the Averys returned home with us for Christmas dinner. All eight of the Avery children, including the four pre-schoolers, crowded into the kitchen with the boys and me, smelling the delicious aromas and awaiting the call to eat. (7.75)
Why do you think Taylor specifically mentions the number of children in the Avery family here? What larger point about "community" is she trying to make?
Quote #7
Stacey took one handle of her heavy black satchel and I took the other. Christopher-Jean and Little Man each took one of her hands, and we started across the lawn. (8.113)
Check out how the family literally carries the load for Mama after she's fired. They comfort her with their presence and support, so sharing her burden is both literal and figurative.
Quote #8
"I ain't never had no children of my own. I think sometimes if I had, I'd've wanted a son and daughter just like you and Mr. Logan . . . and grandbabies like these babies of yours . . ." (10.76)
Okay, this makes us kind of sad for Mr. Morrison. Why do you think he doesn't have a wife or kids? What do we know about his family history?
Quote #9
[The revival] was the year's only planned social event, disrupting the humdrum of everyday country life. Teenagers courted openly, adults met with relatives and friends they had not seen since the previous year's "big meeting," and children ran almost free. (10.141)
Courting openly! Kids these days! Seriously, though: remember that people couldn't just jump into their cars and go wherever they wanted, and most people didn't have the money to throw parties. Why do you think the revival meeting is the major social event of the year? Do you think this community gets other opportunities to socialize like this? What might be some reasons that they do not?
Quote #10
No matter how low the pantry supplies, each family always managed to contribute something, and as the churchgoers made the rounds from table to table, hard times were forgotten at least for the day.
You ever hear that old Stone Soup story? Well, this is a rendition of it. Everyone pitches in to produce something that everyone can enjoy.