How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Out of Africa.
Quote #1
FARAH: Msabu's bleeding. She does not have this ox. This lion is hungry. He does not have this ox. This wagon is heavy. It doesn't have this ox. God is happy, msabu. He plays with us.
Here, we get Farah's (and by extension, the Africans') views on how much control we have over our lives: none. It's a calm acceptance that doesn't give in to despair. It's a kind of attitude that makes the situation bearable vs. believing you need to control things and being constantly frustrated.
Quote #2
KAREN: Doesn't it matter to you that I'm another man's wife?
DENYS: What matters to me is that you tried so hard.
It's important to Karen that Denys recognizes her commitment to behaving with honor. She couldn't save her failing marriage with Bror for so many reasons, but she gave it all she had rather than resigning herself to failure. She chose this life, and she totally owns the consequences. A man like Denys has gotta love that.
Quote #3
KAREN: When the gods want to punish you, they answer your prayers.
This comment comes after a long, lonely life at the farm, so we can't blame her for feeling down. When Denys offers to move in, she's conflicted. Who wouldn't be? The last guy she invited home gave her syphilis. Sure, it's what she wanted, but it's also an intrusion to her valued solitude.