Granddaddy was always saying that the trees had borne witness to all of human misery.
-- Alice (Prologue)

Importance: Alice says this to herself when the three white hunters show up in the woods. She knows that she and James need to hide and let them pass, that they are dangerous, that the trees will hide her.

But you can’t go messing with a white man’s killing. Hurts my heart to tell you, but it’s the truth.
-- Grandaddy (Prologue)

Importance: Grandfather tells James this after they find and cut the lynched boy from the tree. He’s worried that the white men will find out who cut the dead boy down and will come after them.

I know I should be happy that Keisha is saved, but I can’t help but be disappointed. I wanted to bring a heathen to Jesus.
-- Bobby (Part One, Chapter 1)

Importance: Bobby has met Keisha and is disappointed that she’s already a...