“When something good’s about to happen, that makes me feel like skipping—I don’t understand why so many people walk when they could skip instead—but this morning, I couldn’t bear to let go of the Duke’s hand, so I behaved myself for once in my life—like Jane is all the time telling me to.”

This line offers a glimpse into Sallie’s inner world. Her statement about skipping reflects her childlike enthusiasm; however, she also mentions her reluctance to let go of the Duke’s hand, which adds an undercurrent of insecurity to her emotions. Sallie’s decision to “behave herself for once in my life” highlights the contrast between her natural inclination to embrace excitement and her need to conform to societal expectations, as emphasized by Jane’s constant admonishments.

“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.