"To remain behind was to be without protection"
This quote emphasizes on the importance of kinship ties in ensuring and maintaining order among the people. In particular, the quote brings out the relative importance of belonging as not being in the group is virtually similar to being alone, without protection, or safety. It is for this reason that the community has to move quickly under the guidance of the magistrates.
"No woman cries out like a baby; people ridicule that. To carry a child is an awesome thing. If one is old enough to bear a child, one is old enough to endure in silence."
This quote brings to light the particular shame and abashment that is associated with crying during child labour. Society frowns upon women who indulge in this vice. Bluebird uses this quote as encouragement throughout the period of her labor pains. It is the strength behind her successful delivery. Because she does not want to face the humiliation associated with crying in labor, Bluebird endures in silence. In a way, the narrator uses this quote as a backdrop to present the oppression of women--Bluebird has to endure in silence.
"All I ask is a valid marriage, and then I should be happy."
This quote emphasizes the importance of marriage and how the society associated it with the woman's honor. When Bluebird tells her grandmother that a certain man has been pressuring her to get married to him, she disagrees since his character is shabby. In this quote, Bluebird's grandmother associates her happiness to her grandchild's valid marriage. In this way, the importance of the same is brought out.
