Final answer:
The provided literary excerpts focus on themes of courage, defiance, and rebellion in the context of authority. They feature characters expressing varied reactions to being confronted with or challenging social norms, utilizing emotion-laden dialogue and character interactions to convey complex thematic elements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The dialogue provided showcases characters who are grappling with defiance and authority, which are recurrent themes in literature. The quotes express different characters' reactions to challenging authority or witnessing others who do. Whether it be through courage, defiance, or rebellion against societal norms, these excerpts depict the tension between individual actions and collective rules.
The characters in the passages exhibit a range of emotions and reactions to authority, from the shock of Tull and his companions to Lassiter's and Venters's bold stance against Mormon law. Moreover, the dialogue's emotive language conveys complex character dynamics and social commentaries embedded within narratives.
Responses to authority, as illustrated, can be layered and multifaceted. Some characters might view defiance as a desirable trait, adding to the allure of a rebellious figure, while others might experience anxiety or uncertainty, indicating a deeper struggle with the social structure and a longing for individuality or heroism.