CHAPTER 7&8 Characters and plot

Chapter 7 Characters-

Orpah- In Chapter 5 Orpah begins to come out of her shell and interact with the family a lot more. She begins to see that Toloki is acting “funny” (pg.228) towards her. After realizing this she begins to go out of her way to try and win his attention back. Towards the end of the Chapter Orpah plays her sitar in public for the first time in her life. This brings tears to Toloki eyes, and when they return home Orpah and Toloki share a sensual moment in which Toloki sees what the “mark of the Irishmen” is.

Ruth- Ruth “the tsunami” (pg.226) begins to build her relationship back with Toloki after she is informed at the funeral for the young child killed in the meth lab accident, that Toloki’s “Professinal Mourning” profession is in fact in the bible. She also shares a bit of information about Mahlon’s mother and what happened to her. This is when we realize that Ruth may have a big thing about “long black hair”. “I think pretty black hair is a big thing with Ruth. I remember on a few occasions when she was telling me of Abednego’s descendants she would add with great pride: “They had pretty black hair and high foreheads like white people.” (pg 222). Her attitude improves towards the end of the chapter, when she realizes that Toloki has quit hiding Orpah’s artwork from her.

Nathan- Nathan’s role in the book becomes more pronounced in this chapter. He and Orpah have “puppy love , but it could have developed into something serious”. He and Toloki go on a turkey hunt in the woods, where Nathan begins to confess some things about the relationship Orpah and her father have that Toloki is curious about. He gets mad at Toloki at the end of the chapter and calls him out on having an eye for Orpah, “You don’t think I don’t see the wat you’ve been eyeing her?” (pg 235)

Obed- He is his normal argumentative self with everybody, but we catch a glimpse of him becoming a citizen of the community when he read a paragraph from the letter that St. Paul wrote to the Romans (pg. 200). This impresses Ruth to no end, and she begins as she begins to tear up. Obed also shoots a hen during this chapter, which offends Nathan highly. Obed also is still up to his scams moving from one to the next when he gets bored with his last one. We also see Obed begin to create feelings for a ms. Beth Eddy who lives at the sorority house in which he is painting as his punishment.

Beth Eddy- she is Obed’s crush that lives in the sorority house in which he painting.

Sister Naomi- she is the mother of the child who was killed in the Meth Lab explosion.

Brother Michael- He oversees the funeral, and looks through the bible for proof of Toloki’s job of being a “Professional Mourner”

Mahlon Quigley- During Chapter 7 he looks for Ghost Orchids when Orpah becomes obsessed with them. This gives note to the face that he will do anything for Orpah and is very over protective of her. We find out that Mahlon doesn’t like Toloki and has been trying to sabotage his stay at his house since he moved in, but Orpah has been stepping in and ruining his attempts.

Toloki- Throughout the chapter you can see that Toloki is falling in love with Orpah, but wants to supress his feelings because they are interfering with his mourning, “As for me and Orpah: I have given up on her,” (pg. 230). He begins to ignore Orpah and this makes her try even harder to get his attention. Later in the Chapter Toloki attends the bluegrass festival, in which he watches Orpah play her sitar and his feelings begin to get the better of him. When they return home he goes to Orpahs room and discovers what the “Mark of the Irishmen” is when he sees Orpahs blonde pubic hair. After discovering this, they “cuddle on her pink duvet. Nothing happens beyond that” (pg 237).

Ch. 7 Plot

Starts off at a childs funeral that Toloki is publicly mourning. Obed did a lot for him to be able to mourn at this funeral. Obed reads a passage that makes Ruth like Toloki’s profession finally. “She looked at me and smiled. The Bible had finally convinced her of the legitimacy of my profession.” (pg 201) The next day Ruth teases Toloki by calling him “Son of Egypt” (because people were calling him that after the service) as the have sassafras tea and she explains its history. Toloki didn’t go to hunt with Obed and Mahlon that morning because he is squeamish so instead he goes to the Center to quilt. He is there for awhile when Nathan comes in to take him hunting since Nathan hadn’t gone with them earlier either. Toloki tries to get out of it again when the ladies say he doesn’t have a license to hunt and Nathan reassures them he will only watch. On the car ride you find out Mahlon started a community to save the elm trees. Nathan kills a turkey and explains you cant shoot the hens because you will be fined . They find their kill and take it to the station. On the way there Nathan says he is waiting around for Orpah because she will come around someday and they were good together as former lovers until Ruth barged in and told Orpah to focus on studies. He also says Mahlon does anything to make her happy and now he is looking for a special orchid that she saw and liked.Toloki says nothing about the night visits to prevent spreading gossip. At the station Obed and Mahlon run in just before the station closes. Frantically Obed reveals he shot a hen and had to get rid of the evidence and Nathan gets mad at him. The next day they have a barbeque and Nathan comes with his two kids. Nathan and Obed makeup. While Toloki is helping Ruth in the kitchen they get into a conversation about Mahlons mother. She married a black man and ran way so her parents declared her insane and sent to the Ridges where she died, was buried and numbered. You learn Obed really likes going to Beth Eddy’s and they love listening to his stories and fascinated he is related to Nicodemus. Orpah gets closer by eating dinner with them often and tries to talk to Toloki but he has given up on her. They go to the Silent Chinese Auction together and Mahlon doesn’t like seeing them together. Orpah bids for a gnome to give to Mahlone from Toloki because she tells him her dad doesn’t like him and he has been trying to get him out of the house. She names an incident where her dad hid the key to the basement that Toloki recalls. Nathan and Orpah go together to the Appalaichain bluegrass festival together where she plays her sitar publicly for the first time. Everyone loves her and she gets upset with Nathan for trying to “manage” her. She demands Obed take hr home and Toloki insists that he does so. Nathan says something to Toloki infront of Orpah about how hes aware of tolokis feelings for her. Back home, Orpah invites Toloki to his room where they sleep together naked.

Chapter 8 characters

Ruth- In this chapter we see that even though Ruth has begun to dislike Toloki for corrupting her family, she doesn’t want Toloki to move out. She is going on rough times also during this chapter with the rest of her family. When Toloki tries to give her a token of money she declines and asks him for some gingham from Africa so

her quilts will sell like “hotcakes” (pg 263)

Mahlon- the “medium man” in this chapter. His hatred for Toloki peaks in this chapter, as he is told about Toloki’s infidelity with his daughter, and also with Orpah’s daily visits to his RV. Towards the end of the chaoter Mahlon discovers Toloki is listening in on his and Orpah’s memories. His stories come from the ghost trees that play such a profound role in this book.

Obed- is still trying to find his next “get rich quick” scheme. He sees himself as the savior for the town of Kilvert, “Obed sees himself as the new fletcher, although his methods will not be Fletcher’s” (pg 259). He wants to bring a casino to Kilvert, so he travels to Connecticut to get some advice from a Mr. Kerzner. He never finds this Mr. Kerzner because he is in the Carribean and blames this on Toloki. (pg. 257)

Sister Naomi- dies from her addiction to meth. Her skin had lesions on it and looked as if she had been “bobbing for French fries” (pg. 249)

Orpah- She comes to visit Toloki at his RV on a daily basis. She won’t stay the night with him even though he hints at it. All of her drawings have got a new theme of ghost orchids. These pieces of artwork as said to play a song, “the collages play a song” (pg. 255). She and her father are still having there affair. Toloki gets caught spying on them during there act of infidelity.

Sol Kerzner- “South African who had taken advantage of apartheid laws and established casinos in South Africa’s own black reservation.

Toloki- He moves out of Ruth’s house and into an RV this chapter. He tries to help out Ruth during her hard times, she wont accept his gift. As he listen’s to Orpah’s sitar while he is trying to sleep it drives him mad, “And it does to me what it did that first night” (pg 263). He gets ot of bed to get closer to the sitar, he catches Mahlon going to Orpah’s room dressed in a militant outfit. He begins to spy on them and gets caught spying but is invited into the room, “Why not come in if you wanna hear right?”(pg. 265), to view Orpah and Mahlon’s “memories”

Ch.8 Plot

Medium Man looks for a ghost orchid at night. “When they think he is fast asleep or performing his memories for the spirit child they unfold themselves…” (pg 238) Ruth lets Toloki know her and Mahlon know about what happened and don’t like it. He asks Orpah about it and she says she told Mahlon and blows it off my acting innocent. Toloki goes to the center and everyone there knows about it too. He buys two rotary cutters and rulers one for him and one for ruth. Obed is really interested in his casino, Ruth is convinced Toloki is making her children defiant and evil. She tells them that they will have nothing to do with him once he moves out. Toloki publicly mourns another death. Sister Naomi- mother of the child in chapter seven. Toloki buys an RV because he feels it is time to get out of the house. He gets help from Nathan and Obed. Nathan wants him to move out too because he thinks he has caused the family trouble. Toloki keeps his RV on the Center’s property. Orpah cries when he leaves, Ruth says it is against her wishes and it is an insult, and Mahlon says “Don’t let the bed bugs bite.” In his RV he looks at some of Orpahs new pictures and thinks of one of her collages as a song. Orpah and Obed visit hi often and tell him about there being no food in Ruths house. Toloki visits Ruth with money saying he wants to buy a quilt. One night he feels he hears Orpahs sitar even thoug he knows he is too far away. He goes and spies on her and he sees Mahlon go to her room dressed up again. He gets close to the window to listen and Mahlon is telling her a story about MAsa Blue Fly and the Absynian Queen. He suddenly draws the blinds to reveal Toloki spying. He invites him in assuring him and Orpah that he knew he has always been spying. Orpah is reluctant to let him join and does not want him there.

Questions

1. 1) We know how much it bothers Toloki that they treat Orpah like a child and call her a girl. Do you think Orpah has anything to do with this? Why?
   
2. 2) Why do you think that Orpah is so nice to Toloki and wants to be around him all the time in the chapter but at the end she is rude and mean towards him?
   
3. 3) “I want them pictures to tell a story. Like back in them days if something happened there’d be a song wrote about it.”- Orpah (pg 255) After hearing this quote, do you think Orpah has more in common with her mother than they both think. Why or why not.
   

Themes and Settings for Chapters 7 & 8

Settings

Kilvert

Both Chapters are based on Kilvert where we know the Quigley's, Toloki and many other characters that we have met have lived. Kilvert was founded around 1830 and is most known for the residents' mixed bloodlines. "Ain't no better place than Kilvert". (p. 262)

The Cemetary

Toloki starts mourning in Kilvert and is paid by few people that attend the services. First, Toloki mourns the son of sister Naomi in chapter 7 after he is tragically killed by an exploding meth lab. Here we also find that Obed doesn't neglect the Bible as his mother assumed, when he tries to justify the practice of mourning with passeages from the Bible. Again, he gets to mourn publicly when sister Naomi dies from her addiction to Meth in chapter 8. ""She looks like she's been bobbing for French fries," the woman at the center whispered." (p. 249)

Wayne National Forest

We find Mahlon Quigley, Toloki, Obed, and Nathan all in the Wayne National Forest in chapter 7. The Wayne Nation Forest is the only national forest in Ohio. It covers nearly a quarter of a million acres and branches across 12 counties. The men go into the woods to go turkey hunting. Toloki did not want to go, but with the pressure of the Quigley's and Nathan, he ends up going, but with the understanding that he will not hunt, only watch. Here, Obed shoots a female turkey and upsets Nathan. "For serious shooters like Nathan it is shameful and despicable to kill a hen. Real men don't shoot hens." (p.218) We also see more of the Wayne National Forest while Mahlon goes on his suspicious hunts for ghost orchids for Orpah.

Federal Creek

This creek is mentioned in chapter 8. Toloki and Orpah take a walk there and shows Tololki where Mahlon has found the latest ghost orchid. She also tells of how her mother used to swim in the creek, but now that isn't possible due to the pollution in the creek.

The Quigley House

Throughout chapter 7 Toloki still resides in the Quigley house. Things become more heated there because of his stay with Orpah and he begins to feel uneasy there and threatened by Mahlon. After 7 months of staying with the Quigley's Toloki moves out in chapter 8. He does return, however, to Orpah's window secretely to listen to her sitar, but is caught by Mahlon.

The RV

After Toloki moves from the Quigley house, he buys an RV from Nathan. It was a 1982 Ford Shasta from Lancaster, Ohio. The RV was Obed's suggestion. Toloki believes this is because Obed wanted to use the RV as his own because what was the point in buying an RV when Toloki can't drive? Both Orpah and Obed visit Toloki often there dispite the fact that Ruth decided that it would be in the two's best interest never to go to the RV when Toloki moved out. The women at the center were gracious enough to let Toloki leave his RV on their grounds and thats where it stays.

The Center

Toloki goes there very ofter throughout both the chapters and is taught by the women there how to quilt. Because of his visits, Ruth becomes more jealous and doesn't understand why he didn't have her teach him how to quilt. Toloki also helps hand out the food, mop the floors, and other tedious things to help the women for letting him stay on their grounds with his RV. The Center is also where the Chinese Auction was held that Toloki went to with Orpah in chapter 7. Orpah makes Toloki buy a George Bush Gnome there to try to make Mahlon like Toloki more, but the attempt was fruitless.

Appalachial Rising Bluegrass Festival
Nathan convinces Orpah to play her sitar at the festival. This brings Orpah, Obed, Nathan and Toloki just outside of Hunington, WestVirginia. When Orpah goes onto the stage, she assumes she will be playing her instrument alone, but to her surprise many other instrument players join in to her authentic music. She then gets upset when Nathan tries to control what Orpah does with her music and everyone goes home. Going home then leads to Orpah and Toloki's heated night together.

Cion Chapters 7-8 Themes

There are surprisingly few themes in this selection of the book. The main themes I have located have been the strong desire that Toloki has for Orpah, the regret that Ruth shows when her children begin to change, the struggle of Mahlon and Toloki for the right to Orpah, the re occurrence of death, and even the eventual departure of Toloki from the Quigley household.

These chapters revolve mostly around Tololki’s struggle to adapt to Kilvert and his growing desire to be Orpah. In chapter 7 he is taken to the community center to begin his quilting lesson's however, that is quickly interuppted by Nathan who insists he go hunting turkey with him, Toloki eventually goes with Nathan only to learn that Nathan has a strong desire for Orpah, and even mentions Orpah’s “games” with her father. This peaks Tolokis interest immensely and then soon Nathan and Obed get into a heated discussion over Obed's hunting practices. Later on the group goes the a bluegrass festival where Orpah plays her sitar on stage. The group is fascinated by this and the popularity becomes too much for Orpah and she runs away. This leads to a falling out between the friends and Tolokis feeling are revealed to Orpah. She is taken back by this and later on seems to like the attention he gives her. That night they almost have sex but instead lay there with each other, naked, just enjoying the time they have with each other. After this point the romance seems to become very immature and their actions are compared to those of scared teenagers. Toloki eventually moves out and buys an RV to live in, he lives in the parking lot of the community center. At this point he spends much of his time in the center quilting, where Orpah comes to visit him very frequently. She even begins to spend time with him at his RV. At the end of the chapter Toloki is overcome with a sense of duty to discover what it is that Mahlon and Orpah are doing in her room in those strange costumes, he eavesdrops outside the window to listen in on what is happening. He is soon discovered by Mahlon and invited in, sadly Orpah is not happy to see him. She protests his presence by saying " He can't take no part in our memories!" This is where it ends.

In the reading there is also a slight theme of betrayal between Obed and Toloki. Twice in the chapter Obed asks for Toloki’s assistance with his capitalistic escapades and both times Toloki refuses to assist him. Obed at first doesn’t seem too bothered but it is when he returns from Connecticut that the frustration begins to show. Toloki does not go because he claims " I am just a professional mourner, a billionare would know nothing about me, nor would he wish to see me." Obed blames Toloki’s absence as the reasoning for why he could not gain an audience with the billionaire Kerzner. In all reality Toloki’s absence had no affect on the outcome of the situation, it was because Kilvert was not yet an actual Indian reservation. This frustration is seen throughout the rest of the reading.

Again, death is a theme in this reading. Seeing as Toloki is a professional mourner it would make sense that death happens a lot in this book. The first funeral which Toloki mourns at is almost a joyous occasion for him, it was the first time he was able to mourn professionally since he has been in America. The next funeral is for a woman who was close the family and died to her addiction to meth, Toloki mourns at this funeral as well, however this time he is much less liked by the Quigley family and is a much less joyous occasion for him. The book states " Despite my spirited mourning both Ruth and Mahlon pretend I am not here at all. Not even a glance in my direction." This shows how sad Toloki is to be shunned by the people he cares so much for.

The final theme present in the reading is the unappreciation Ruth feels by her children. She feels as if her children have become wild and rebellious since Toloki moved in with the Quigley family. She sees Obed becoming more and more rebellious and the overall lack of their presence is greatly troubling to her. She sobs uncontrollably and claims that no one in the family understand the sacrifices she has made for the family. Some of her claims may be unfounded but it is hard not sympathize with her.



Questions:

1.) Do you think that Toloki's relationship with Orpah will go any farther than it has, considering he plans to return to Africa?

2.) Do you think the that the relationship between Toloki and Mahlon will change, seeing as Mahlon caught Toloki listening outside of the window?

3.) What do you think Toloki's quilt making is begining to represent?

Chapters 5-6 Characters and Plot Summary

Chapter 5

Characters:
Toloki - In chapter 5 Toloki becomes much more opinionated with the happenings within the house, especially when dealing with the situation between Ruth and Orpah. He is no longer afraid of Ruth's dictatorship she holds over the house and starts voicing his opinions. Through his opinions he gains even more interest in Orpah and starts 'accidentally' running into her for little conversations here and there. "... where I hang out during those times I have noted are her regular coffe hours so that I can accidentally bump into her" (pg. 156). Toloki also starts pushing towards his old traditions by gaining an urge to mourn so that he does not lose himself in the Kilvert way of life.

Ruth - She becomes 'the Taliban of the house.' Ruth starts being more and more harsh with Orpah and even Toloki when her family starts to voice opinions about her actions and way of thinking. Ruth becomes very cold with Toloki and does not share conversation or stories of her heritage as she did before. Even though she is very cold to Toloki, he is still dubbed 'Ruth's African' by the women at the community center. She becomes obsessive with cleaning and chores. "With these dishes for instance, she takes over because she says Obed is doing the job half-heartedly" (pg.141) In defense of her family becoming more opinionated, Ruth starts talking about their tradition on a daily basis and tries to push her family back to the 'right' path. For instance, she quotes the Bible numerous times in everyday conversation.

Obed - Throughout Chapter 5 Obed shows a variety of talents. He is the auctioneer for the community center and Toloki describes him as '... a very charming auctioneer..." (pg 146). Obed shows another talent with his super-natural 'hand trembling' skills where is able to tell future in some cases and was actually able to find an object Toloki hid while he was blindfolded. Ruth condemns his actions as sinful and against the Bible and their tradition. Obed quickly drops his hand trembling hobby. Lastly, Obed shows a softer side when he is the Santa at the community center and Toloki is impressed saying, "It is amazing how he is able to bring out a giggle even from the shy kids" (pg 162).

Orpah - She starts to talk to Toloki, but very little. Later in the Chapter she starts to open up to him more, and to the surprise of Toloki, she gives him her drawings to hide from Ruth. The conflict dealing with the quilts and Orpah's non-traditional designs is finally revealed. An affair between Orpah and Mr. Quigley is discovered by Toloki but it has been known by the entire community for some time. Lastly, Orpah actually leaves the house to go to Christmas dinner and is seen talking and laughing with Nathan.

Nathan - "We have been waiting for Nathan to come and fix it -- another feather in his cap since he is handy at fixing gadgets..." (pg. 142) Orpah starts to open up to Nathan more at the Christmas Dinner.

Mr. Quigley - Having an affair with Orpah and it is accepted by those in the community. Although he is having an affair Toloki later learns from the women in the community that Mahlon Quigley "... is a respected elder in the community... On the rare occasions he utters something everyone listens and takes note" (pg. 160). Also the story Mr. Quigley losing his entire farm attributes to his silence and explains how he does not grow anything that can die and why he admires his gnomes.
Barbara Parsons - The food bank manager and fund-raiser at the Kilvert Community Center. Invites Toloki to the Christmas dinner. Toloki helps Barbara with many things in the Community Center and is then also dubbed 'Barbara Parsons' African.

Irene Flowers - Another woman who makes quilts in the community center. In addition to Ruth and Barbara, Toloki is called 'Irene Flowers' African.

Brother Micheal - Pastor at the local church. He was married and preaching in Florida until he met a woman from Kilvert and left his wife took over the parish in Kilvert. Ruth despises Brother Micheal because she feels he is an adulterer. "Ruth led a campaign against him because he was an adulterer... That was how they came to boycott their little chocolate church" (pg. 153-154).

Summary:
Toloki finds himself in many very different situations throughout chapter 5. First he is introduced to the Kilvert Community Center and is dubbed 'Ruth's African' by the women there. He learns many details about the Quigley family from these women since the family doesn't always give out their most intimate details. This then leads him into the middle of the dispute between Ruth and Orpah. He finds that Orpah is constantly creating new, more modern designs for the quilts Ruth makes but Ruth does not approve. Tradition is the only thought on her mind and even the thought of changing the quilts a little inflames her. Toloki observes Orpah's drawings and tries to voice his opinions about how it is unfair for Ruth to try and oppress her artist advances. Toloki also tries to explain how these designs may help the sale of Ruth's quilts after he finds that she has trouble even selling one. This only causes a gap between Ruth and Toloki and between Ruth and her family after others start to voice their opinions.
Much is revealed about Mahlon Quigley and Orpah. First was the story about Mr. Quigley's old farm. He was a very persistent farmer until one year his entire crop and most of his animals died from disease. This caused him to become very reclusive and explains why he never tries to grow anything again. He only takes care of his concrete and gnomes. Another situation is revealed between Mahlon Quigley and Orpah. They have been having an affair for many, many years. The most shocking part of the affair is that is it completely accepted by the community and Mr. Quigley is still seen as a very respected member of society.
In Chapter 5 we find the family participating in many different events in the Kilvert Community Center. Ruth used to sell her quilts there but does not anymore despite her making many quilts with the other women there. Obed is the auctioneer for the community center and dresses as Santa for the Christmas dinner. He shows his likable side when he is a charming auctioneer and makes each and every child laugh. The entire family is at the community center for the Christmas dinner and this reminds Toloki of his previous vocation as a professional mourner. While observing the Christmas dinner he is reminded of how he cannot just become part of this community and he has a duty. At the end of the chapter, Toloki has an unyielding urge to mourn again and this urge pushes him into the forest where he finds an old grave. When Toloki and Obed return the next day, they learn it is the grave of the first Quigley, Niall.


Chapter 6

Characters:
Niall Quigley - The first Quigley. Lived in New York for many years until he gained his first slave in a card game. He was an Irishman who was addicted to gambling and paid frequent visits to the local bordello. He was a somewhat clever man who devised many schemes to gain a profit, but he was always brought down by his character flaws such as gambling.


Unnamed Slave/John Tyler - Won by Niall Quigley in a card game. He is a very scrawny slave with bad teeth whom no one wanted to buy. Talkative and clever, him and Niall make various schemes. Even when presented with an opportunity to escape, he does not leave Niall's side due to their bond.


Abednego - Son of the Abyssinian Queen and brother to Nicodemus. Started a new life in the north and befriends Niall.

Birdman - Conductor on the Underground Railroad who inducts Niall and Abednego as conductors.

William Tobias - A slave hunter who killed Nicodemus and captured Birdman. Claims to be changed, an abolitionist, and a converted Quaker after confronted by Niall and Abednego.

Summary:
Chapter 6 is a flashback to the past provided by the grave found by Toloki. It is the story of the first Quigley and his life. Niall Quigley lived in Tipperary, Ireland before he last everything by gambling and fled for the United States. He then won his newly leashed slave in a card game ironically . Niall and his slave then start a business together, a scam in order to gain some kind of a profit. He finds any stray children around New York and ferries them to the south to be sold as mulattos. Niall would cross any kind of boundary to make some kind of money. After being very profitable, he starts doing this full time. He and his slave start living very well and despite having many opportunities to leave, the slave decided to stay will Niall for the lifestyle. After some time of living very well with many visits to the bordello, Niall loses all of his money through gambling again and even loses his cart and horses ending his business. Even after all of this his slave sticks with him.
Since the first business idea failed, Niall tried to scheme up another plan to survive. He decided that the breeding of slaves was still a very profitable field so he made a potion. This potion supposedly made slave women more fertile and caused them to bear more children at once, just like dogs, as he suggested. He sold this concoction to many slave owners in the south even though it was only water, baking soda, and any other white substance he could find. Many of the buyers were angry but did not pursue Niall Quigley. This was not the case of David Fairfield. He tracked Mr. Quigley and his slave down and confronted him about the potion he sold to his wife and with a few documents, Niall's slave sold him to Mr. Fairfield.
After much time of poor treatment and unsuccessful escapes from the Fairfield's plantation, Niall found someone who would believe his story of being unjustly sold. A Quaker minister believed his story and took him to the Virgina Supreme Court. The question was whether or not Niall Quigley was the rightful property of David Fairfield. From the confusion of the name signed on the papers of Niall Quigley being John Tyler, the supreme court ruled in favor of Mr. Fairfield and Niall was deemed his rightful property. Even after this long ordeal, Niall went back to his duties and was eventually promoted. His promotion allowed him to socialize with many other slaves including other white slaves, but he preferred to associate with the field slaves. He then later was fascinated by the death and story Abyssinian Queen which inspired him to find her lsot sons.
He escaped from the Fairfield's farm after his inspiration and came to Tabler Town. The town welcomed him and he began his new life there. Later he met Abednego and learned of Nicodemus' fate. He felt connected to him because of the stories about him and his mother and passively suggested vengeance. They develop a friendship and eventually are inducted by Birdman to become conductors on the Underground Railroad. Birdman gets taken by William Tobias, the same man who killed Nicodemus. Many years later, Quigley and Abednego decide to search for the murderer of Nicodemus and Birdman. After finding Tobias, the two friends confront him about his actions and Tobias claims he is a changed man. He explained how he is now a Quaker and an abolitionist, he found the lord and is sorry for what he has done. Despite his change of heart, Abednego still enacts his revenge and kills Tobias. Niall then shoots his body in an attempt to share the guilt. Killing of this man kneeling down in prayer did not ease their pain, it only made it worse.




Discussion Questions:

1. Do you think Ruth is out of line when trying to keep the tradition of the quilts intact by refusing to use any of Orpah's new designs? Why or why not?

2. Is there a possibility that Orpah and Mr. Quigley's affair is not what it seems? If it is not an affair, what could it be?

3. Do you think the killing of William Tobias was right? Or was him being a changed man enough for Abednego and Niall to forgive him?

Chapter 4 Characters and Plot Summary

Characters

Abyssinian Queen - During chapter four she is the driving force behind the escape of Nicodemus and Abednego. It is her memory that keeps them going during the tough times of their journey to freedom. "The sampler reminded them: follow the Drunkard's Path. It was one of the lessons the Abyssinian Queen had drummed into their skulls (page 106)."

Madame Fairfield - Madame Fairfield is the wife of David Fairfield and the lady of the Fairfield Plantation. Although in earlier chapters she is seen as having a negative outlook on her husbands relations with the Abyssinian Queen it is discovered in this chapter that she is also having relations with a slave. It is also discovered in chapter 4 that Madame Fairfield is highly involved in many aspects of the plantation based upon her knowledge of everything that occurs on the plantation. "The lady of the house giggled naughtily and assured the boys that she knew everything that happened on her plantation. She had eyes everywhere, she says, and no one could hide from her (page 96)."

Abednego - Abednego is the older of the Abyssinian Queen's children. In this chapter it is discovered that he is having relations with a white house slave and when he discovers that she has been sent to a bordello in Charleston he makes the decision with Nicodemus that now is the time to escape. During chapter four Abednego is also seen as taking pride in the fact that he is the elder brother and as a result wishes to take charge and be the leader. During their escape he becomes sick and ironically ends up relying upon Nicodemus to be the leader and take care of him. "Now that Abednego was strong again he was secretly gnawed by the fact taht it was his younger brother who had had to look after him when it should have been the other way around. He was determined to prove himself this time, and would be sure to take a leadership role on the rode to Canaan (page 113)."

Nicodemus - Nicodemus is the younger of the Abyssinian Queen's two children. In this chapter it is discovered that he is now one of the prized studs on the Fairfield Plantation and is given the duty of creating valuable "crops". During the escape he plays both the part of the older, more reliable brother and the younger, less mature brother. This is the result of both him taking care of his brother while he is sick and the fact that he continues to play his flute even when they are attempting to escape from slavery. His flute playing ultimately was a blessing eventually when it drew the attention of Birdman, who was a conductor on the Underground Railroad.

The Slave Trader - The reader never actually finds out his name but he discovers Nicodemus and Abednego and poses as a abolitionist. He tricks them into believing that he will lead them to freedom until Nicodemus and Abednego attack him and get away.

The Hermit - He is the first person that Nicodemus and Abednego meet after they cross the Ohio River. "They were welcomed by an old hermit, perhaps over 80 years old, who was so senile he was not aware that the Revolutionary War came to an end 60 years before (page 113)." He provides them with shelter and food and after two weeks they buy their "freedom" from him.

Birdman - Birdman is a Conductor on the Underground Railroad and discovers Nicodemus and Abednego in the forest when he hears the music from Nicodemus's flute. Birdman is also the first completely free African American that Nicodemus and Abednego have ever met. He explains to them how the Underground Railroad functions and takes them to their first safehouse.

Station Master - He is a Quaker and the owner of the Underground Railroad stop where Birdman takes Nicodemus and Abednego. He is not trusted by Nicodemus and Abednego as a result of their experiences with the white slave trader that posed as an abolitionist. He attempts to protect the two of them when the slave hunters discover them at his house.

William Tobia - He is the slave hunter that discovers Nicodemus and Abednego. He is known for his brutal methods of finding fugitive slaves which often resulted in free men being sold into slavery. While searching the house he and his two partners get into a scuffle with Nicodemus and during the fight one of the partners shoots and kills Nicodemus. He inturn kills the man for killing his "five hundred big ones".

Plot Summary

Chapter four begins on the Fairfield Plantation in the middle of winter. While playing outside one night Nicodemus and Abednego witness Madame Fairfield leaving the slave quarters. It is discovered that she is having an affair with a slave and the next day she call both of them to the house to talk to them. During the discussion she both informs them that she knows everything that goes on on the plantation and that if they told anyone about what they had witnessed she would make their lives hell. She also informs Abednego that the white slave he had been having relations with had been shipped to a bordello in Charleston because she could not bare children. This proves to be the last straw and that night the two boys flee the plantation. Their escape begins poorly when they discover that they had gone South instead of North and to make matters worse Abednego becomes sick. While resting in a ghost tree a fire they make attracts a man who introduces himself as an abolitionist who would lead them to freedom. After following him for quite some time they discover that he is a slave trader and fight to get away, which they eventually accomplish. They again begin heading north, eventually reaching Ohio where they meet an old hermit who takes them into his house as his "slaves". He nurses Abednego back to full health and the boys buy their freedom with a musket that they took from the slave trader. They then are discovered by Birdman who works on the Underground Railroad. He takes them to a safehouse in Athens. Shortly after getting there they are discovered by William Tobia and his band of slave hunters and during the ensuing scuffle Nicodemus is shot and killed by one of the men. Despite the death of his brother and his dieing words which urged him to get to Canada, Abednego travels only until he gets to Tabler Town where he settles down and marries the daughter of Harry Corbett.


Questions:

1) What do you think the significance of the ghost trees is? How were they significant in this chapter if at all?
2) Based upon how the quilts were used in chapter four what would you say is there most important function?

Chapte 4 Settings and Themes

Chapter 4 takes place mostly on the run, while Nicodemus and Abednego are fleeing to the North. They use the quilt to try and lead them to the Underground Railroad so that they can successfully sneak across the River Jordan into Ohio.
Underground Railroad
The Underground Railroad was a system to help fugitive slaves escape to the Northern United States, or Canada. In the Underground Railroad, the places where the slaves would sleep and eat were called “stations” and “depots.” These places were run by “stationmasters,” and “conductors” were the ones responsible for moving slaves from station to station.
Berlin Crossroads

The Berlin Crossroads are located near the city of Jackson, Ohio. This community was mostly an African-American Community. The Berlin Crossroads were a played a vital role in the Underground Railroad. Many families would use their houses as stations to help fugitive slaves hide. Upon arriving, the stationmasters would help to reroute the slaves to Chillicothe or Washington Court House.
North Star
Many slaves would use the North Star to point them in the right direction. They would look in the sky for the little dipper and go to the end of the handle where the North Star would be. At night, they would travel in the direction of the north star to make it to freedom. This star played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad and making it to freedom.
Nicodemus and Abednego both followed the North Star until they came up to a river that they thought was the River Jordan, but turned out to be the Kanawha River.
Kanawha River
The Kanawha River is located in West Virginia and parts of western Virginia. Most Native Americans identify the Kanawha and the New River as one big river, and Thomas Jefferson combined the New and Kanawha River as one and referred to it as “The Great Kanawha”
After getting their bearings, the boys would continue following the North Star to Pomeroy.
Pomeroy House
Pomeroy House was located in Ohio that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Runaway slaves would be brought to the Pomeroy House often concealed under bales of hay in wagons, and hidden in the cellar of the house. Slaves would hide here until they could be taken to Rocky River to board ships that head to Canada.
River Jordan
The River Jordan was a symbol of the dividing line between freedom and slavery. During slavery, the river was known as the “River Jordan,” but today it is now known as the “Ohio River.” Many Slaves crossed the river to make it to the freedom of the northern United States.
After the boys crossed the river, their guide would lead them to a little town in Ohio called Athens.
Athens
Athens Ohio is home to Ohio University but was also home to Underground Railroad stations. Washington Street was where many of the Underground Railroad houses were located at. Many slaves would come through here on the way to Canada or farther North.

Themes

The primary portion of this chapter is dedicated to the escape of Nicodemus and Abednego.

Ghost Trees

The chapter starts off with a reference again to the ghost trees, and how Nicodemus would play his reed flute while nustled away inside the Sycamore. Though this tree also held a secret cache of supples that the Abyssinian Queen had stashed for her children's eventual escape. (pg 90-91)

Ghost trees come up later on in where on their course Nicodemus and Abednego would take refuge in one that could “fit a whole family” (pg 104)
“Indeed the ghost tree knew what the boys did not know, that over the years families of runaways had taken refuge inside its trucnk, some even staying for days on end.”

Innocence in the face of Dire Straights

One night the boys are caught playing out in the snow, catching flurries on their tongues, This leads them into the confrontation with Mrs. Fairfield (pg 92)

Later on this arises again when the boys are again being of childish innocence in their ice skating activities on the Ohio River (pg)

Mrs. Fairfield Infidelity

Due to Mr. Fairfield's affairs with other women Mrs. Fairfield has purchased a “play toy” of her own. When the boys are out playing in the snow they catch Mrs. Fairfield returning from her act of infidelity. (pg 94)

Summons Served, Threat leveled

Mrs. Fairfield, in catching the boys outside and witnessing her activities levels a severe warning towards the boys...this threat motivates the boys to flight earlier than ideal (pg 95-96)

Dream Allocation

The Abyssinian Queen has a tradition with her children in giving them a specific dream before they are to go to bed, so as to motivate them and teach them of how to escape and live after they attain freedom. This is brought to light on pg 97 when the boys do not show up for dinner

Sciolist leadings

Pg 98 speaks again of the Sciolist, motivating the boys to a winter escape
Saving Mistakes
Initially on the outset Nicodemus and Abednego went the wrong way, which in essence may have saved them. Which this saving mistake misleads the trackers in that they initially headed north, not south as the boys have (pg 99)

Another mistake that may have saved the boys is that leaving in winter provided them cover for their scent and their tracks in that heavy snow concealed the escape (pg 99)

“The Abyssinian Queen's blood drew maps of red on the virgin snow...” (pg 101)

During her beating for the escape of her children the Queen is said to have bleed patterns into the snow, reminiscent of the patterned quilts she had designed to facilitate her children's escape creating a full circle in this theme.

Also during the beating Mrs. Fairfield enlightens us to a “botched wedding” which was not explained in this chapter...

“Wade in the water, wade in the water, children. Wade in the water, God's gonna trouble the water” (pg 102)

Several metaphors are used to guide the boys. One such metaphor is Evil Spirits do not cross water...which actually the water throws the scent dogs off your trial

This also ties in with such metaphors as “the drunkards path” where as a only evil follows a straight line (pg 106) and “the monkey wrench” which drove home the idea of preparedness...some of the symbols though were not dicernable by the boys, such as “the shoofly,” “the boy tie,” and other symbols (pg 110) that would eventually come to mean such prophetic things to come in the future.

Blue Fly

On page 103 we are introduced to the idea of “the Blue fly” which reoccurs throughout the chapter. Blue fly is believed by the boys to be a good spirit because they recognized a blue fly at Fairfield Farms and reckoned that any life, let alone something as rare as a blue fly, must be of good spirit“A fluorescent blue fly, almost as big as Abednego's pinkie, appeared from nowhere. A fly in the middle of winter was an unusual sight, let alone its size and color”

Singing the Sun to sleep

Nicodemus and Abednego recall on pg 105 how their mother had a habit of singing the sun to sleep at the end of each day. The Abyssinian Queen had habits of this style, such as lullabies for each day of the week. The boys imagined that their mother was singing to the stars to safeguard their flight.

Wolf In Sheeps Clothing

"He introduced himself as an abolitionist who would save them and lead them safely across the Ohio River" (pg 107) when actually he was a slave trader. This comes to be important because later on when introduced to white abolishionists the boys are leary (pg 118)

Memories

On pg 110 the boys have discovered they have lost one of the quilts...the quilts that are not only their roadmap to freedom but the only link they have with their mother, the boys relish and take comfort in the remaining quilt they have..."The Abyssinian Queen. They needed to feel close to her. The quilts. Their odor will bring her close."

They called him Birdman

"They were startled by the approach of a huge black man..." (pg 114) The boys encounter a gentleman only known as birdman. He is a true abolisionist yet the first free black man the boys encounter.

Birdman occurs as the boys saving grace in that he ushers them into Athens where there is a safe house on the Underground Railroad

Its not Underground, its not a Railroad

Starting on pg 115 we learn of the Underground Railroad...where abolitionists house refugee slaves and assist them on the journey to freedom. We learn of a safe house in Athens run by a middle aged white man with well nourished pink cheeks. The conductor at this house is very cautious and has caught wind of both slave chasers looking for "the quilt code" and imposter slaves who are actually espionage agents for slave chasers.

Its not a rag, its history

The conductor of the Athens house states that quilts are useless now...yet is corrected by Birdman. Birdman states that quilts are history, heritage, and memories of what is important. With Birdman's explination the boys turn to cherish the quilt they have left...with Abednego keeping possession of it througout his life "And the sampler! Oh, the sampler! He would jealously guard it for it was the only memory of his [dea] brother that was left."(pg 121)

It's name was changed to Kilvert

Wrapping up the chapter we see that Abednego, after his brother's death moved to Tabler Town, which eventually was changed to Kilvert (pg 120) Here he settles down with a tribe of Natives who also harbor escaped slaves.

His blood boiled with anger

Abednego resented what happened to his brother, his family, his world after his freedom. He was a very bitter man, making free life very hard. His anger subsides though when he, eventualy falls in love with a Native woman he marries.

She who laughs last laughs best

"[Abednego] never got to know that the blue fly returned and hovered over her [The Queen], and she died with a broad smile on her face." (pg 121) The blue fly theme comes to a conclusion with its reporting of Abednego making it to safety and being free...free at last free at last, lord almighty free at last...

Questions

With Abednego's settling in Tabler Town, what does this lead us to believe about Kilvert. Its history, its legacy, its family tree?

What affects made the escape more difficult...addressing such issues as Nicodemus and Abednego never seeing the outside world and Abednego knowing nothing but captivity prior to his freedom?

Chapter 2 and 3 Characters and Plot Summary

David Fairfield- The son of Charles Fairfield and is known as The Owner. He owns the plantation in Virgina and his sole purpose is to breed slaves. David has relations with the Abyssinian Queen. He has a very intimate and passionate, border line obsession with the Abyssinian Queen. Advocated,"saving the women from the pain of loving their children" (pg 35). Meaning he would not let the women see their child after birth and everyday they were given a new child, so she wouldn't get to know the baby.

Abyssinian Queen- "She was black like a moonless night with dark clouds hiding the stars. Yet her big white teeth beamed sunrays into people's hearts, leaving them melting" (pg 35). Mother of Abednego and Nicodemus. Well respected by the whole Fairfield Farm, including The Owner and Mrs. Fairfield. She wove intricate quilts that contained a secret language that when taught to read, revealed escape routes for the slaves. She wove one for each of her boys.

Abednego- Son of The Owner and the Queen. He was a mulatto, meaning he would be sold at a very high price. Despite how he wasn't suppose to know who his mother was, he was raised by the Queen, along with his brother as well. He received the "crazy quilt" which contained the map.

Nicodemus- His father was a nondescript field slave, not of The Owners' loins. He would not be sold, he would be kept to procreate with "specially selected females of all colors" (pg 57). He was given the "sampler" quilt which included the general warnings and advice.

Nat Turner and Denmark Vessey- Both lead a rebellion. Turner against the armory in Southhampton County, Virgina and Vessey against slave owners in Charleston, South Carolina. Both were executed for their actions.

Harry Corbett- Quigley family Indian ancestor. He was a Christian man, who had done away with "them funny Indian names", according to Ruth (pg 58).

Obed- He is proud of his "Shawnee hair" even though his mother says that they are Cherokee. He has a mediation meeting between him and Beth Eddy.

Beth Eddy- "She decided to respect the occasion with a black pants suit that has a long jacket...the blouse is white and maybe silk..." (pg 67). She was very willing to drop the charges after she talked to Toloki on the phone. Agrees with Obed and mediators that he will paint her sorority house for restitution.

Ruth- Strong Republican "because the GOP freed them slaves" (pg 63). She says how Obed is useless and how Orpah is brilliant enough to further her education yet lacks ambition to do so. She says " I want a boy Lord...give us a cion who'll carry our name to the future" ( pg 76). Continues to live her lifestyle as her ancestors did.

Orpah- She shows her face to Toloki for the first time in his four days. She has well-nourished olive skin and has a great potential for being obesity. Still seems very closed off from the family. Obed attempts to make sense of Orpah's behavior by suggesting that "maybe it's because of the mark of the Irishman" (pg 85).

Nathan- "I'm not sure if (Nathan) is one of the WIN people or not. He looks Caucasian" (pg 87). He attempted to propose to Orpah but she turned him down which lead him to marry another woman. This woman died and left him with two children. Now once again, he has shown interest in Orpah.

Toloki- He speaks with Beth Eddy on the phone and convinces her to set up a mediation meeting. Comes to realize the Obed is a "scoundrel" after hearing him deny that he was the man in the house and also when he bluntly said that he "nailed the bitch." (pg 90) Obed accuses him of being the only one that his mama likes because he is the only one who can make her relax instead of work frivolously all day long. He shows the first signs of attraction towards Orpah.

Chapter Two takes us back to the beginnings of Nicodemus and Abednego up until they are prime for escape. Their mother, the Abyssinian Queen, raises both of the boys to read and decipher the quilts that will one day hopefully lead them to freedom. Nicodemus learns how to read and write from The Owner's white daughter while Abednego plays the drums. Both are then, in turn, punished for their illegal actions. This chapter helps reveal some history to the story and to why Obed chose to emulate Nicodemus during Halloween a few nights before.

Chapter Three brings us to the story at hand starting with Obed and Toloki heading towards Athens for a meeting between them, Beth Eddy, and two mediators. We learn that Toloki was the one who called Beth to convince her to drop the charges against Obed saying that he meant no criminal intent on the night of the incident. At the mediation, Obed's true colors start to show as he denies, at first, even being at the house that night. He then changes his tune when he realizes that he is making a mistake and shows that he is sorry for his actions. He is penalized by having to paint the Sorority house. Back at the Quigley household we learn that Ruth maybe ashamed of her children because none of them have ambition. We also learn that maybe Ruth is the cause of Orpah's sadness. At the very end of the chapter, Toloki discovers that Oprah has created and painted designs that were founded inside a ghost tree. This chapter reveals some interesting information that will hopefully be answered.

Class Discussion Questions:

1.) Why do you think Obed vehemently argues that he has "Shawnee hair" when Ruth explained that they are Cherokee?

2.) Does the quote about a "cion who'll carry our name to the future" on page 76 have any meaning towards the naming of this book?

3.) Can anyone explain the "mark of the Irishman" that Obed suggests as Orpah's source of sad behavior?

Cion Ch. 2 and Ch. 3 Themes and Settings

Virginia- Fairfield Farms

The setting of chapter 2 was a plantation in Virginia. Like many other plantations in that time frame consisted of white slave owners. It is the home of the Abyssinian Queen. During the time of slavery, Virginia grew into a large contender of slave trade. The Fairfield Farms made their fortune not from selling tobacco or cotton but from the breeding of mulatto individuals. "The breeding of mulatto children who looked mulatto rather than white had become the core business of Fairfield Farm; ..." (57). Mulatto is now a mix person, but in that time they were the offspring of a plantation owner and his slave.

The Ohio River (The River Jordan)

The Ohio river was the dividing point between slavery and freedom. The Abyssinian Queen tried to instill the desire to reach the Ohio river in her two children." In the seemingly haphazard arrangements, she taught them to identify some landmarks" (48). Their map to the River Jordan was put into images discreetly hidden into quilts designed by the Abyssinian Queen. The river was "the biblical divide between heaven and hell or freedom and slavery" (55)

The Courthouse in Athens Ohio

This was the location of the mediation to resolve the dispute between Obed and Beth Eddy. Toloki had to persuade Beth to meet Obed and himself that day in order to drop the charges against Obed from the incident at the sorority house. After deliberation Obed apologized and agreed to repaint the sorority house in exchange for no further criminal punishments. "To my surprise Obed expresses his remorse and asks to be forgiven for his foolish and thoughtless behavior" (72)

Quigley Home

Once again the setting comes back to Kilvert, Ohio. The family spends most of their time in the home around the dinner table. Ruth expresses her political views in a very strong and opinionated fashion. Orpah continues to not join them because of an unknown dispute between her mother and herself.

Themes of Ch.2 and Ch.3

• A theme for chapter two was keeping a family together despite any obstacles that might come along. The Abbyssinian Queen knew that having contact with her own children was not allowed, however she worked the system to her benefit so that she could have a relationship with her sons. She showed her connection with her sons when she took up the trade of quilting. She wanted a bigger and better life for her two sons, therefore she listen carefully to the idea of freedom. She translated two paths that could be used together to help her boys escape to the north by putting land marks and things like the north star into the quilt.

• A theme for chapter three was having the strong opinion and being too stuborn at times to open yourself to others points of view. Ruth has shown that she has very strong views on more than one occasion. One of those times is when she begins to talk about politics. Ruth has a very republican mind and often expresses her views on the recent election of George W. Bush. She feels that much of America does not go by the bible or in her opinion of what is proper. "Because George W. Bush was a man of God. He got his messages direct from God. God's truth was revealed only through him" (63). She is one of those people who you don't want to disagree with because it will often start an argument. An example of one of those arguments is between her and Orpah. We have not yet been told what they are arguing about but we do know that Orpah is never at the dinner table and part of the reason is because of their mother. "Maybe you should tell her you are sorry. I ain't sorry for nothing, says Ruth adimently" (79).
  

~Discusion Questions~

1. Does anyone have any predictions of what the argument is between Ruth and Orpah?

2. We know Nicodemus escapes and dies in the underground railroad. What do you think happens to his brother, Abednego?


3. "A ghost tree. It is a keeper of secrets. It has many stories to tell" (90). What do you think this actually means? Are there some secrets and stories that Orpah is hiding?