How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"It's got to be them," he fumed. "No one else has that kind of money. Why can't they just play king and queen in their goddamn castle and keep out of other people's business. All of them, from Webb to Rockefeller, they're nothing but Bolsheviks. They won't be satisfied until the government owns every acre in these mountains." (17.9)
This discussion between Harris and Pemberton about who is backing the park is telling. First of all, there are only a few people who are rich enough to be able to afford it. It's also interesting that the men feel slighted by how rich other people are, when they are comparatively wealthy themselves.
Quote #8
Men seeking work came to the camp in a steady procession now. Some camped out in the stumps and slash, waiting days for a maimed or killed worker to be brought from the woods in hopes of being his replacement. These and others more transient gathered six mornings a week on the commissary porch, each in his way trying to distinguish himself from the others when Campbell walked among them. (21.1)
As the novel goes on, more and more people are out of work. We get these passages to remind us that the country is really hurting for cash during this time. With so many people out of work, the higher social classes only benefit: They don't have to increase wages and get their pick of the litter.
Quote #9
One thing's sure and nothing's surer. The rich get richer and the poor get— children. In the meantime, in between time. (24.87)
This song tells us all we need to know about the society depicted in the novel. Too bad it's true. We watch as the Pembertons line their pockets with extra cash while the workers go hungry. Fair? No way. Historically accurate? Absolutely.