The air was in constant smoke, the smell of New France.
-- Narrator (chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: In this scene, René and Duquet are working for Monsieur Trépagny, chopping trees and burning the piles of unused wood. This quote shows how New France is built on destruction. The pre-existing landscape is not respected, but is constantly altered and wasted so that land may be cleared for settlers.

To be a man is to clear the forest. I don't see the trees. I see the cabbages. I see the vineyards.
-- Monsieur Claude Trépagny (chapter 2 paragraph 7)

Importance: This quote shows Monsieur Trépagny's vision for the future of New France. It is his belief that "real" men clear the forest, and that it is a man's responsibility to envision civilization in place of nature.

We will not burn trees into dirty ashes.
-- Achille (chapter 25 paragraph 3)

Importance: Achille says this to his family after the Sel family has been robbed for their house by Renardette. He aims to...