How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
There are several dubious assumptions [...] that it was the home of intractable self-reliance [...] whereas in fact large parts of it were owned [...] by iron-fisted bosses. (2.5.50)
Looks like the Wild West wasn't so wild after all. This shouldn't be all that surprising; it's not like railroads pay for themselves. Still, it complicates our common stereotypes of the West, forcing us to reckon with the fact that this new country was built in large part through exploitative labor tactics.
Quote #5
Standing outside of this casual revelation of how deep and violent were the divisions in the camp, Susan felt as a woman [...] might feel if she [...] saw men fighting in the street. (2.7.103)
At first, Susan romanticizes the West. Although she doesn't think it's perfect or anything, she can't help but love how real things are out there. But then, she learns the truth. She learns about the harsh working conditions in the mines. She learns about the abusive labor practices employed by mine owners. She even learns about the awful violence that makes this economic revolution possible. It's a real eye-opener.
Quote #6
Oliver lashed it harshly with the whip [...] leaped to the ground and kept lashing [...] Susan sat white and trembling [...] hating the heartless mountains, the brutal West. (4.2.204)
Yikes—this is a side of Oliver that we've never seen before. But, it also seems like just another consequence of living out west: in order to survive in a brutal world, Oliver must become brutal, too. Yes, we know that this isn't exactly the sweetest thing to say, but it's an inescapable part of the life he's chosen.