Well, it’s all done and past history now, Granny C. So you just relax.
-- Unattributed (chapter 1)

Importance: This quotation, from the end of Chapter 1, is unattributed but likely spoken by Charlene, who has been talking to Granny C about her regrets for her role in the death of a Black boy years ago. Granny C is Carolyn Bryant, who is known in real life for having accused Emmett Till of flirting with her, indirectly causing his murder by her husband and brother. This comment contains ironic foreshadowing, as it is placed at the beginning of the novel, where happenings connected to this historical event will soon emerge.

We’re going to confuse the hell out of these crackers. Driving into town in your mom’s car like this.
-- Jim (chapter 8)

Importance: This quotation from Special Detective Jim Davis is significant in its displaying of several factors. It appears shortly after Jim and his partner Ed...