How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"It's best that way," Serena said, stepping back into the room's center. "Not just the money saved but for the men. They'll work harder if they live like Spartans." (1.121)
When Serena finds out that the workers don't have electricity, she tells us just what a great thing that is. Her off handed comment shows us exactly how immaterial the workers are to her—as long as they make her piles of cash, they stay on her good side.
Quote #2
"All for the better," Serena said. "It will make a more effective lesson for the other workers." (2.153)
We'll put it this way: Don't bet against Serena. After Bilded loses his bet about how tall a particular tree is, Serena takes two weeks of his pay and Pemberton fires him. No matter that he has a wife and kids to support…
Quote #3
"As you have guests arriving soon, I'll be brief," Reverend Bolick said, addressing them all but looking specifically at Wilkie. "It's about the pay raise we've discussed. Even half a dollar more a week would make a huge difference, especially for the workers with families." (14.4)
The workers aren't asking for much, and two bucks a month is nothing to the Pembertons, but they cling to it anyway. It's more about power and greed with them, because we know they certainty don't need the money.