How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Half-conscious, he dreamed that his father was carrying him, and he did not wonder how this could be. (5.7)
Scary (he's delirious) but also sweet (first thought is of his daddy). Matt always trusted in his father to protect him, so it's no wonder he's the first person to pop into Matt's mind.
Quote #2
It was time for his father to be coming. At any moment he might look out and see him walking into the clearing, bringing his mother and Sarah and the new baby. It was strange to think there was a member of the family he had never seen. (11.1)
Do you think Matt's mother will have any more children after they get to the cabin? Or will Matt's family be complete when they all show up?
Quote #3
It must be mighty pleasant, Matt thought to himself, to just hunt and fish all day long and not have any work to do. That wasn't his father's way, and it wouldn't ever be his. (11.6)
Matt looks to his father as an example, just as Attean looks to Saknis. We don't know a lot about his father's character, but moments like this give us a peek into the hard-working man he is.
Quote #4
"Sign of beaver," he said. "Belong to family."
[…]
"Sign show beaver house belong to people of beaver," Attean explained. "By and by, when young beaver all grown, people of beaver hunt here. No one hunt but people of beaver." (11.30, 32)
Family means more than blood to Attean—each Indian family also has an understood territory in which to hunt and trap. It's a Penobscot thing.
Quote #5
"Not beaver hunting ground," he said. "Turtle clan hunt here." He pointed to a nearby tree. On the bark Matt could just make out a crude scar that had a shape somewhat like a turtle. He was indignant.
"We found it," he said. "You mean you're just going to leave it here because of a mark on a tree?"
"Beaver people not take animal on turtle land," Attean repeated. (13.10-12)
When it comes to family traditions and respect for boundaries, Attean will not budge—his loyalty always starts with his culture and family customs. He's not alone. Because of this kind of respect, the turtle and beaver clans can live side-by-side without hating (or hurting) each other.
Quote #6
Once he caught his breath, Matt found it simple to follow the step. His confidence swelled as the rhythm throbbed through his body, loosening his tight muscles. He was suddenly filled with excitement and happiness. He own heels pounded against the hard ground. He was one of them. (16.26)
Finally, after a whole summer alone, Matt feels like he belongs somewhere. It's kind of how Harry feels each time he returns to Hogwarts: home.
Quote #7
Matt was speechless. He had never dreamed that anything like this lay behind Attean's carefree life. He had never wondered about Attean's parents at all, only accepted without question that the boy followed his grandfather and obeyed him. (17.26)
Attean is a deeper character than even Matt realizes. He's fiercely loyal to his family and culture, and there's good reason for that: Remember what happened to Attean's parents?
Quote #8
Her eyes, as she looked at her grandson, were warm and bright. Matt was minded how his mother had often looked at him, pretending to he angry with him but not able to hide that she was mighty fond of him just the same. (19.21)
Love does that to people—especially parents and grandparents, it seems. It's hard to be angry for long when you love someone so much.
Quote #9
"He'll be here soon," Matt insisted. […] "If he couldn't come, he'd send someone to tell me. He'd find some way, no matter what happened. You don't know my pa." (21.22)
Here's a glimpse into the character of Matt's father—determined, loyal and loving. Hmmm… like father, like son?
Quote #10
"Dog like you. I tell him stay with you. […] No good for hunt," Attean said. "Walk slow now. Good for stay here with medabe—with white brother." (22.26-27)
This is a moment Matt will never forget: Attean just called him a brother. Sometimes family is based on blood, but sometimes it's based on true friendship instead.