Hang the Moon

“It felt good, felt like I could do anything, like nothing could go wrong, nothing could hurt me.”

Sallie’s excitement when the Duke gives her the wagon and teaches her to drive is a pivotal moment in the novel. Her excitement stems from the sense of empowerment and freedom that the wagon represents to her. It’s not just a gift; it’s a symbol of autonomy and the ability to navigate the world on her terms, away from the confinements of traditional gender roles and societal expectations.

“I swear I’d never prayed for God to take her like this, to leave Eddie without a mama. No child ought to go through that.”

After Jane’s death, this statement of Sallie underscores her deep concern and care for her half-brother, Eddie. It demonstrates a newfound depth of emotional maturity and understanding on her part. In the past, Sallie’s relationship with Jane was marked by tension and conflict, with Sallie often feeling at odds with her stepmother. These lines also emphasize the themes of family bonds, loss, and the capacity for personal growth and transformation.

“It’s all so familiar and at the same time, it’s a world apart from the life I’ve been living with Aunt Faye. There is no want here, no pinching of pennies—and it’s hard for me to believe I once lived here, that I took this comfort, this abundance for granted, but the memories come flooding back.”

These lines illustrate the theme of Memory and the Past in the novel. When Sallie returns home after nine years, she is struck by the duality of her feelings. On one hand, everything appears physically unchanged, providing a sense of familiarity. On the other hand, she feels as if she has entered a different world compared to the modest lifestyle she has with Aunt Faye. This duality also underscores the idea that one’s understanding of the past is not static but is influenced by one’s present perspective and circumstances.

“A wake is also a chance to meet up with friends and kin.”

This statement offers an insight about the duality of funerals. On one hand, a wake or funeral is a chance to grieve, on the other hand, it is a community event and social gathering. Sallie’s observation shows that she understands the nuances of social interaction and that people’s actions have complex motivations.

“Did you die with any regrets? Did you ever have the urge to make peace with me?”

These unanswered questions reflect Sallie’s unresolved feelings and the lack of closure in her relationship with her stepmother, Jane. They also reveal Sallie’s mix of hurt, anger, and a longing for reconciliation, as they are questions she could also be asking her late mother, Annie.

“Money comes and goes, but time only goes.”

This insight is triggered by the Duke’s acknowledgment of Sallie’s transformation into an adult at Jane’s funeral. The statement encapsulates the theme of time’s inexorable march and the idea that the true value of life lies not in material wealth but in the experiences, connections, and relationships that unfold over time.

“Jane always loved her flowers and the next day there are hundreds of them beside her open grave.”

This line conveys a poignant irony in human behavior. It reflects the tradition of bringing flowers to a funeral as an expression of love and respect for the deceased. However, the irony lies in the fact that Jane, who had a love for flowers during her lifetime, can no longer appreciate them after her death. This highlights the impermanence of life.

“My few memories of Mama are like brightly colored birds you see out of the corner of your eye that are gone when you turn to look.”

This line carries a reflection on Sallie’s relationship with her mother and the enduring impact of fleeting memories. The imagery of “brightly colored birds” suggests that while her memories of her mother may be scarce, they are beautiful and lasting. Sallie’s remark underscores the bittersweet nature of her connection with her mother. It is a mixture of nostalgia and sadness, as Sallie recognizes the void left by her mother’s absence.

“Sometimes it’s hard to talk about the things most on your mind.”

This line by Tom carries a message about the challenges of addressing one’s innermost thoughts and traumas. His perspective is especially significant considering his own reluctance to discuss his traumatic experiences from the war. His acknowledgment of this difficulty suggests that he understands the weight of unspoken burdens and the toll they can take on a person’s emotional well-being. Sallie’s situation parallels Tom’s in that she also carries the unspoken pain of losing her mother and growing up without her. Although she misses her mother deeply, she, too, struggles to talk about her emotions. Their shared compassion for each other forms a bond between them that transcends words, emphasizing the importance of empathy and silent support in times of emotional difficulty.

“Eddie’s got to learn that in this family, there are certain things you simply don’t talk about.”

The statement, made by Mattie, highlights the toxic atmosphere prevalent in the Kincaid family, where emotional expression is discouraged, and the Duke’s ideals of toughness and stoicism are prioritized. It also illustrates the challenges faced by individuals like Eddie, who endure the pressure to conform to such strict gender roles. The act of burning Jane’s clothes, which were a source of comfort to Eddie, is a symbolic gesture of suppressing emotions and adhering to traditional gender norms. It also highlights the secretive nature of matters at the Big House.

“When it comes to horses and women, I go with my gut.”

The Duke’s statement reflects his dismissive and objectifying view of women. The comparison between horses and women is inherently disrespectful and dehumanizing. It objectifies women by suggesting that they can be evaluated and chosen based on their physical qualities and breeding abilities, in the same way one would choose a horse. Having the Duke as Sallie’s childhood role model has led to her developing a complex, at times self-sabotaging, relationship to gender and identity.

“You’re exactly like him, except in a skirt.”

Tom’s statement carries a complex mix of meanings and emotions. On one hand, Tom is pointing out a similarity between Sallie and the Duke, and this similarity seems to excite Sallie. However, the context and tone of Tom’s statement suggest that this is not necessarily meant as a compliment. Sallie exhibits some of the same qualities that Tom finds objectionable in the Duke. Sallie’s excitement at the comparison might stem from a desire to be seen as capable and strong, just as the Duke is perceived. She may interpret it as a validation of her ability to navigate a world dominated by men, as the Duke did.

“He’d started out the evening the center of attention—opening the wine, making the toasts, telling the jokes—but now he’s all quiet and sullen.”

This line illustrates a notable shift in the Duke’s behavior during the dinner at the Big House. At the outset of the evening, he appears confident and relishes being the center of attention. However, when Seymour, an attractive, charismatic man, enters the scene, it creates a clash of egos, leaving the Duke feeling diminished. This situation underscores that two dominant male personalities cannot coexist peacefully in the Big House, foreshadowing the Duke’s death.

“How do you protect someone from grief?”

Sallie had made a commitment to her father, assuring him that she would take care of her half-brother. However, when faced with the reality of Eddie’s grief and emotional turmoil, she recognizes that grief is not something that can be easily shielded or protected against as it is a deeply personal and internal experience.

“I spent the day reassuring folks that everything would be fine—and doing my best to believe what I was saying.”

Sallie’s statement reflects the complexity of her role and emotions in the aftermath of the Duke’s death. On one hand, Sallie takes on the role of a reassuring figure for those around her. She understands that in times of loss and grief, people often look for reassurance and stability. This demonstrates her strength and determination to support her family and maintain a sense of normalcy. On the other hand, despite her efforts to project confidence and optimism, she herself is grappling with the emotional turmoil caused by her father’s death.

“I’m doing my best not to take sides.”

This line reflects Sallie’s attempt to navigate a delicate and potentially divisive situation within her family and illustrates her desire to maintain harmony and avoid creating further conflict. In the aftermath of the Duke’s death and the unexpected elopement of Kat and Seymour, Sallie’s decision to remain neutral highlights her diplomatic qualities, foreshadowing her approach leadership in the Kincaid family.

“Banished just like me. Maybe there’s more we have in common.”

Sallie’s reflection highlights a moment of empathy and recognition of shared experiences between herself and Mary. Sallie and Mary have both endured painful experiences involving their father, the Duke. Sallie’s mother, Annie, was killed by the Duke while Mary’s mother was divorced by him. Similarly, Sallie was betrayed by Rawley, and Mary’s romantic relationship with Phillip, a man she loved deeply, ended in heartbreak. These traumatic events have shaped the women’s lives and created emotional wounds that continue to affect them.

“She’s one of the ugliest things I’ve ever laid my eyes on—but a love swells up in my heart for this little creature, a love I’ve never felt before, a love so powerful it startles me.”

Sallie’s description of Nell and Rawley’s daughter, Grace, is her candid and unfiltered reaction. This demonstrates Sallie’s forgiving nature and her capacity for maternal instincts and love. It also highlights her growth as a character, showing that she is capable of extending love and acceptance even in challenging circumstances.

“Married three times. Three husbands. But when I finally have a child, I’m all alone.”

Kat’s statement highlights the irony and complexity of her life circumstances. Kat has had multiple opportunities at love and companionship through her life, yet, like the other women in the novel, she finds herself alone when she most needs a partner. This statement underscores the idea that marriage and relationships do not always guarantee fulfillment.

“I don’t want to choose between getting my family up north and giving my man a proper send-off.”

This quote highlights the dilemmas faced by individuals from less privileged backgrounds in the novel, particularly people of color. In this context, Gloria, Abraham Crockett’s widow, is navigating the difficult financial decision of preparing her husband’s funeral arrangements or securing the well-being of her family. The line underscores the economic disparities that exist in Claiborne County. Gloria’s predicament is further underscored by the racial violence that she and her family face in their community.

“I thought being in charge meant I was beholden to no one. What it truly means is that I am beholden to everyone.”

This realization encapsulates Sallie’s evolving perspective on leadership. Initially, she may have viewed her newfound authority as a path to independence and autonomy. However, her first day as the Kincaid heir shows her the weight of responsibility that comes with the role. Sallie understands that her decisions impact not only herself but also her family, employees, and all of Claiborne County. This newfound awareness highlights the complexity of leadership and accountability.

“Legal and illegal and right and wrong don’t always line up.”

This quote reflects the moral and ethical complexities of the Prohibition era, when the laws governing alcohol consumption and distribution often conflicted with the values and beliefs of individuals and their communities. In the novel, characters engage in illegal activities like bootlegging or running speakeasies to make money and support their families. This misalignment between the legality of actions and their perceived morality highlights the limitations of the legal system in accommodating the diverse values and perspectives of the population during that time.

“Sometimes I feel so alone, so damned alone.”

Sallie’s statement underscores her isolation and loneliness. Her loneliness is intensified by the challenges she faces, such as dealing with the death of loved ones, navigating complex family dynamics, and confronting societal norms that often isolate her further. Sallie’s inner turmoil reflects the universal desire for meaningful connections with others.