How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
And she apologized. For herself and for her father. For her brothers and her mother. For Strawberry and Mississippi, and by the time I finished jerking at her head, I think she would have apologized for the world being round had I demanded it. (8.84)
What kind of justice is Cassie dispensing here? Do you think she is right? Are her actions just? Are Lillian Jean's apologies sincere?
Quote #8
It seemed to me that since the Wallaces had attacked Papa and Mr. Morrison, the simplest thing to do would be to tell the sheriff and have them put in jail, but Mama said things didn't work that way. She explained that as long as the Wallaces, embarrassed by their injuries at the hands of Mr. Morrison, did not make an official complaint about the incident, then we must remain silent also. If we did not, Mr. Morrison could be charged with attacking white men, which could possibly end in his being sentenced to the chain, or worse. (10.88)
Yes: it really should be that simple, shouldn't it, Cassie? But nothing's simple in the pre-Civil Rights South—unless you're white.
Quote #9
But once out of the car, [Mr. Jamison] stood very still, surveying the scene; then he stared at each of the men as if preparing to charge them in the courtroom and said softly, "Y'all decide to hold court out here tonight?" (11.77)
You go, Mr. Jamison! Look at how he puts a stop to the little kangaroo court that the Wallaces and Simmses are about to call to session to punish T.J. for his "crimes." Mr. Jamison, one of the few white supporters of the black community in the novel, firmly but quietly reminds the rabble that they are not, despite what they might think, a rightful court of law.