Her son, Lucien, however, like white Catholics born to French or Spanish parents on Louisiana soil, proclaimed himself a proud Creole, much to Madame’s objections and disdain. For how could her son be what Black Creoles also called themselves?
-- Sylvie (Book One: I)

Importance: This quote establishes Sylvie’s racist tendencies and how she does not view Blacks as equal to herself. It is not entirely clear if Sylvie would feel the same way if Lucien considered himself to be a part of a different white heritage. However, Sylvie’s actions establish her sense of cultural purity and the disdain she has for those that do not align with her standards. This immediately tells the reader that she will not have any respect for the Black characters throughout the novel while also establishing how Sylvie and her son, Lucien, are already beginning to disagree.

You are born to a guild class or to artisans...
-- Sylvie (Book One: VIII)