How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"It sure does feel good to be here. It sure feels like home." (10.10)
Even though he's nervous and the people are less than friendly, Thomas immediately feels at home in the new church. Feeling at home is a feeling of freedom.
Quote #5
"I take freedom any day over that romantic nonsense about slavery." (15.29)
In this moment at least, Mayhew feels that it's more important to embrace freedom in the present, than to dwell on slavery in the past. The novel as a whole celebrates the struggle for freedom that makes the present freedom celebration possible. (Now say that last sentence ten times in a row, fast as you can.)
Quote #6
"He would have to find the past to find himself." (17.11)
This is Mayhew talking about his father. Now that he's cooled down he shows that he believes that knowledge of the past can be freeing. Finding the treasure gave him a way to understand the past of his ancestors. He now better understands how he came to be where he is today. Being able to trust others with his secret gives him another level of freedom.