How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)
Quote #1
They say the people could fly. Say that long ago in Africa, some of the people knew magic. (1)
The first transformation that takes place isn't a good one. This metamorphosis—from magical, flying people to ordinary-looking folks—reflects the dehumanization of slavery.
Quote #2
Many of the people were captured for Slavery. The ones that could fly shed their wings. (2)
This passage makes it seem like the people made an active choice to lose their wings. Were they simply setting the stage for the final triumph? Or is there something else going on?
Quote #3
The people who could fly kept their power, although they shed their wings. They kept their secret magic in the land of slavery. (4)
Like a young Clark Kent growing up in Smallville, the flying people have decided to wait for the perfect opportunity to unleash their secret power. Though they might've changed on the outside, their inner power remains untouched. Just watch out for Kryptonite, guys.
Quote #4
"Yes, Daughter, the time is come," Toby answered. "Go, as you know how to go!" (17)
Finally, the time for transformation has come. It seems like Toby is the only one who actually remembers that they could once fly, though, since he's the only one who can remind them of the power they once had.
Quote #5
The young woman lifted one foot on the air. Then the other. […] Then she felt the magic, the African mystery. Say she rose just as free as a bird. (19)
In a sense, this transformation is really just Sarah remembering her peoples' past. In the real world, Africans (and others) who were captured into slavery were prevented from practicing their culture and traditions and even speaking their native languages.
Quote #6
No one dared speak about it. Couldn't believe it. But it was, because they that was there saw that it was. (20)
Frankly, if we saw somebody mutter a magic word and fly away, we'd need a second to digest things, too. Regardless, this must be a powerful moment for them—one of their own has just fulfilled their dream.
Quote #7
A young man slave fell from the heat. [...] Toby come over and spoke words to the fallen one. [...] He got up and rolled over on the air. (21)
Toby waits until the last possible second to speak the magic words needed for the transformation. While the Master and his henchmen think that abusing people will break their spirits, they're really just setting the stage for their ultimate downfall. That's poetic justice at its finest.
Quote #8
There was a great outcryin. The bent back straightened up. Old and young who were called slaves and could fly joined hands. (27)
Suddenly, the transformation takes hold throughout the whole plantation. The idea that these people were merely "called" slaves emphasizes that they've been hiding in plain sight the whole time. No matter what their so-called "Master" does, he can never change their fundamental selves—he can never completely own them.
Quote #9
So they say. The Overseer told it. The one called Master said it was a lie, a trick of the light. The Driver kept his mouth shut. (31)
Naturally, the boss can't believe what he saw. This isn't surprising—if he were to admit that these people are magical beings, he'd also have to admit that he's in serious trouble. Interestingly, only the Driver, who has the most contact with the slaves on a daily basis, seems to believe his eyes.
Quote #10
The slaves who could not fly told about the people who could fly to their children. When they were free. (32)
Although there were plenty of people not gifted with the power of flight, they will eventually gain their freedom, too. After being denied their humanity for so long, this can considered a transformation in and of itself.