Love, Ruby Lavender

“WELCOME to Halleluia, Mississippi. Population: 400 Good Friendly Folks And a Few Old Soreheads.”

The town’s welcome sign employs humor to poke fun at the nature of small communities, helping to establish the text’s mood. It also alludes to The Sourness and Sweetness of Life and people, acknowledging the idea that most people are sweet while a few may seem sour at first (evidenced in the quote’s mention of “a Few Old Soreheads”), like Garnet’s lemon drops.

“A look of genuine panic mixed with surprise flew across Melba’s face […] She flew toward the front door of the mercantile, slamming into Miss Mattie as she ran.”

The repetition of the verb “flew” describes Melba’s change of expression and bodily movement toward the door, depicting the speed with which she moves. The choice is notable because its metaphor recalls the chickens that prompt Melba to taunt Ruby. This quote implies that the three chickens symbolize the girls once Dove is introduced.

“Melba acts brave but she’s scared underneath. Just look at how she skedaddled out of here.”

Eula encourages Ruby to consider Melba’s feelings more deeply, demonstrating the difference between what people say and what they do and how people don’t always show their true feelings. Melba presents herself as tough, but her prickly demeanor shatters when she is challenged, revealing the ways she too is scared.