There are many relevant quotations from the book that I
could choose from however these five stand out the most to me.
First Quotation
The first quotation is, “The abolitionists may well call me their equal, but their lips do not yet say my name and their ears do not yet hear my story” (Hill 115). This quote is significant because it shows the theme of discrimination, which is displayed throughout the entire book. It is saying that although the abolitionists may try to make it appear that they view Aminata as an equal, they actually do not. It also shows Aminata’s intelligence, as she is able to see right through them. It is ironic because Aminata is far more intelligent and experienced than most of the abolitionists yet they don't even view her as an equal. This makes us as readers really become aware of the effect of racism in that time in history.
Second Quotation
Another great quote is, “One of these people will find my story and pass it along. And then, I believe, I will have lived for a reason” (Hill 118). This shows Aminata’s character, as it shows that she believes that her sole purpose in life is to tell her story. She knows how much of an impact her story is going to have on society and therefore is aware that she needs to share her story with the world. "And my story waits like a restful beast", the title of a chapter in Book Two even goes as far as to describe her story as a beast ready to be unleashed on the world.
Third Quotation
One of my favorite quotations from the book is when Georgia says, “Your mouth is like a galloping horse. Slow down and steer, honey chile, or you will hit a tree” (Hill 155). The first sentence in this quote is a simile and it is significant because Georgia is telling Aminata that she talks too much. She is giving Aminata advice by telling her that she must be careful of what she says because if not it may get her into trouble. This quote also shows Georgia’s character as it shows that she is a wise woman. Georgia is also somewhat like a mother figure to Aminata. She teaches her things that aid in her survival.
Fourth Quotation
A good quote is where Mr. Lindo says, “ “In my faith,” he said, “it is considered a very good thing to give another person what they need to become independent, and to take care of themselves in the world." Then why, I wondered, didn’t he set me free?” (Hill 228). This quote is ironic as Lindo is saying that it is part of his religion to help people to become independent yet he won’t let Aminata be free. This quote shows that although Lindo makes himself seem better than the other slave owners, he really is not. He is hypocritical. This quote can also be connected to the quote, "Some Hebrew you are. And you say you're not a white man" (Hill 257). Aminata says this to Lindo after she learns that he has helped in the selling of her baby. This also shows Lindo's hypocrisy as he believes that he is much more reformed than other plantation owners when in reality he is just like them.
Fifth Quotation
Another interesting quote is where Colonel Baker says, “And that, wherever you go, you have earned the respect of men and women in your community. Yes? Good. You are required for service to His Majesty the King” (Hill 319). This shows that Aminata is well respected in the community and liked by everyone. It also shows that Aminata is well known within the community. This is what allowed Aminata to move her way up in the hierarchy of slavery. It aided in her survival and resulted in her finally returning to Africa. Aminata has not only earned this respect because of how skilled she is but also because of her personality. She is always friendly to people in the community and always willing to lend a helping hand. This shows us as readers that if we want to get somewhere in life then we must remember to keep a positive attitude, always help others when we can and inspire others to help themselves. We can learn a lot from Aminata!
First Quotation
The first quotation is, “The abolitionists may well call me their equal, but their lips do not yet say my name and their ears do not yet hear my story” (Hill 115). This quote is significant because it shows the theme of discrimination, which is displayed throughout the entire book. It is saying that although the abolitionists may try to make it appear that they view Aminata as an equal, they actually do not. It also shows Aminata’s intelligence, as she is able to see right through them. It is ironic because Aminata is far more intelligent and experienced than most of the abolitionists yet they don't even view her as an equal. This makes us as readers really become aware of the effect of racism in that time in history.
Second Quotation
Another great quote is, “One of these people will find my story and pass it along. And then, I believe, I will have lived for a reason” (Hill 118). This shows Aminata’s character, as it shows that she believes that her sole purpose in life is to tell her story. She knows how much of an impact her story is going to have on society and therefore is aware that she needs to share her story with the world. "And my story waits like a restful beast", the title of a chapter in Book Two even goes as far as to describe her story as a beast ready to be unleashed on the world.
Third Quotation
One of my favorite quotations from the book is when Georgia says, “Your mouth is like a galloping horse. Slow down and steer, honey chile, or you will hit a tree” (Hill 155). The first sentence in this quote is a simile and it is significant because Georgia is telling Aminata that she talks too much. She is giving Aminata advice by telling her that she must be careful of what she says because if not it may get her into trouble. This quote also shows Georgia’s character as it shows that she is a wise woman. Georgia is also somewhat like a mother figure to Aminata. She teaches her things that aid in her survival.
Fourth Quotation
A good quote is where Mr. Lindo says, “ “In my faith,” he said, “it is considered a very good thing to give another person what they need to become independent, and to take care of themselves in the world." Then why, I wondered, didn’t he set me free?” (Hill 228). This quote is ironic as Lindo is saying that it is part of his religion to help people to become independent yet he won’t let Aminata be free. This quote shows that although Lindo makes himself seem better than the other slave owners, he really is not. He is hypocritical. This quote can also be connected to the quote, "Some Hebrew you are. And you say you're not a white man" (Hill 257). Aminata says this to Lindo after she learns that he has helped in the selling of her baby. This also shows Lindo's hypocrisy as he believes that he is much more reformed than other plantation owners when in reality he is just like them.
Fifth Quotation
Another interesting quote is where Colonel Baker says, “And that, wherever you go, you have earned the respect of men and women in your community. Yes? Good. You are required for service to His Majesty the King” (Hill 319). This shows that Aminata is well respected in the community and liked by everyone. It also shows that Aminata is well known within the community. This is what allowed Aminata to move her way up in the hierarchy of slavery. It aided in her survival and resulted in her finally returning to Africa. Aminata has not only earned this respect because of how skilled she is but also because of her personality. She is always friendly to people in the community and always willing to lend a helping hand. This shows us as readers that if we want to get somewhere in life then we must remember to keep a positive attitude, always help others when we can and inspire others to help themselves. We can learn a lot from Aminata!
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