How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
They live fer this, says the Cage Master. They're worse than animals. That's what too much chaal does to you. (5.120)
Chaal users get compared to animals quite a bit in Blood Red Road, but we think we have a comparison that might be more accurate: they're like zombies. It all fits the bill, right? Plus, we know that there's not much in the way of brains to go around here in Hopetown.
Quote #5
An one person controls the chaal. He grows it harvests it, an supplies it. (6.124)
That dude is the King, and he has gained all of his power from the chaal trade, which basically makes him a criminal kingpin. No wonder the Tonton are such nasty dudes.
Quote #6
The chaal vendors [...] wanna git everybody hopped up fer the big finish. (6.446)
We see chaal get connected to cage fighting quite often throughout the novel, with the drug taking credit for the crowd's bloodthirsty response to such brutal combat. Are the games an outlet for these violent tendencies, or are they part of the cause?