How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Line)
Quote #7
I heard a low moan as Tenorio aimed his pistol at the head of Narciso. I screamed in fear and Tenorio spun around and saw me. (14.974-976)
Fear is not pre-meditated. It functions on a primal level. Even Antonio, who's growing into a pretty tough young man, can't escape from it. It just happens (unless you're Ultima, or maybe this dude who jumps his motorcycle over a plane).
Quote #8
I was so startled and frightened that I jumped like a wounded rabbit, but he made no move to catch me. (16.56-57)
Man, a well-placed simile can really say it all. When Antonio jumps "like a wounded rabbit" at the sight of a crazed Tenorio, Anaya establishes that Tenorio is the predator and Antonio is the prey. At least that's the case in Antonio's eyes. The fact that he manages to stand up to Tenorio right after this shows how much Antonio is growing.
Quote #9
"The atomic bomb," they whispered, "a ball of white heat beyond the imagination, beyond hell." (16.14-15)
The atomic bomb terrifies the adults of the town. That's not a surprise. What's interesting about this quote is that it places the atomic bomb as something even beyond hell. It's similar to how witches are talked about in the book, so in a way, the people grant the bomb a level of supernatural power, despite its roots in science.