"Don't matter to me," said Robert without hesitation, "long as we were the same." "I figure it'd matter you had to live colored awhile."

Robert was silent to that, then reluctantly agreed. "Maybe so . . . but I'll tell you something, Paul. You don't feel no different to me than Hammond or George. I hate folks saying that word 'half' brother. How can you be 'half' of a brother? Either you're brothers or you're not."

How does the historical setting affect Paul and Robert?

They wish people would accept their familial bond.
They are both unaware of society’s ideas about race.
They are forced to compete for their father’s attention.
They strive to follow Hammond’s and George’s example.