The House of Dies Drear Memory and the Past Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

It seemed to Thomas that his father talked best on Sunday. He always spoke of history—not only the history of black people, but American Indian history and the history of the Hebrew tribes. (9.16).

Mr. Small is in love with the past. It brings harmony to his present. Why do you think that is? Is there a connection between the three histories of the three groups of people that Thomas brings up? What research would you do to find out?

Quote #5

"…and the moonlight picnics. I remember them, Papa. And the hayrides. Why did they have to stop. Where did they go to?" (10. 12)

Thomas is remembering times with his church in North Carolina. It's not clear if the good things he remembers stopped when he was still living there, or if they stopped because of the move. It is clear that Thomas is feeling a wave of nostalgia, a longing for the past.

Quote #6

"Odd isn't it, Mr. Small, that the son and daughter of running slaves would find peace in the very sort of caves running slaves hid in?" (15.24)

This is Mayhew's memory of when his parents were together and happy, his family intact. He blames the town, the Darrows, and his father for destroying the happiness.