“A man who doesn't trust cannot be trusted.”
The passage is uttered by Elefante and appears to be something that he learned from his father Guido. It speaks to the importance of trust as a foundation for any relationship, whether it be between two individuals, business partners, or in this case, potential criminal associates. Elefante's father passed this lesson on to his son knowing that it could be invaluable advice in a life of crime. Elefante is presented with the opportunity to make a great deal of money, but he is aware that it could also be a dangerous game and his father's words remind him to be cautious. The quote serves as a warning to Elefante that he should think carefully before entering into any kind of relationship with The Governor. He should be aware of the risks involved and do his due diligence in terms of researching the person he is dealing with.
“A man ain’t got to stand in church every Sunday to do God’s work.”
Rufus' quote affirms that a person does not need to engage in traditional religious practices to do God's work. Sportcoat and Elefante, for example, do not engage in traditional religious practices, yet they use their resources and skills to help the people in their community. It is ultimately up to the individual to determine how they can best serve their community. Rufus is a character who is deeply connected to the church, but he is not a religious man. Despite this, he recognizes that God's work can be done in many different ways and that attending church is not necessarily the only way to do it. This quote reflects the broader theme of redemption in the novel, as it suggests that everyone is capable of making positive contributions to the world, regardless of their religious beliefs or background.
“Nothing in this world happens unless white folks says it happens. The lies they tell each other sound better to them than the truth does when it comes out of our mouths.”
The quote speaks to the power dynamics between white people and people of color in the novel. Hettie’s statement reflects her own experience with racism and oppression, as well as the experiences of the other characters. In the narrative, it is clear that the neighborhood in which the story takes place is struggling with poverty, drugs, and violence. These conditions are perpetuated by systemic racism and white privilege, as evidenced by the way that the white mobster, Elefante, uses his connections and money to manipulate the situation for his benefit. Hettie’s quote highlights the power imbalance that exists between white people and people of color and shows the fact that white people can control and dictate the lives of those around them.
