The Unvanquished Sin Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Section.Paragraph)

Quote #1

She sat there looking at the fire, with the can in her hands and the string which suspended it looping down from around her neck. She didn't look any thinner or any older. She didn't look sick either. She just looked like somebody that has quit sleeping at night. (4.1.6)

The can around Granny's neck is full of the money she's earned from stealing and selling back Union mules. She knows that it's wrong; that's why she's constantly praying for forgiveness for her sin. But that weight around her neck (both the literal and the figurative) keeps her from getting any rest.

Quote #2

[S]he said quiet too, quiet as Brother Fortinbride: "I have sinned. I want you all to pray for me." (4.2.3)

Granny is a proud woman, and in case you don't know any, they usually have a hard time saying that they were wrong. For Granny to admit in front of everyone that she has sinned, and ask them to pray, she must need to summon all her humility.

Quote #3

Ringo and I were just past fifteen then, but I could imagine what Doctor Worsham would have thought up to say, about all soldiers did not carry arms, and about they also serve and how one child saved from hunger and cold is better in heaven's sight than a thousand slain enemies. But Brother Fortinbride didn't say it. (4.2.4)

The definition of sin, and also of virtue, changes with the preachers who come through the Sartorises' church. Doctor Worsham was more of an educated guy, and would have weighed good and evil in a sort of moral calculus (and you thought regular calculus was bad!). Brother Fortinbride is a little more of a utilitarian with his definitions, as we can see with his involvement in Granny's scheme.