How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
Tom had never been in the bank before. [….] It gave Tom a strange sensation to think he was entering the bank to do business there, the same almost as Erlo Ackerman might do. (53.1)
Three years have passed since Tom started at the mill, but he still feels uncomfortable and out of place going into some adult situations on his own. Nevertheless, he's making progress, and he feels proud when he gets his bankbook. (The ATM card was still decades away.)
Quote #8
"Mr. Dolan," he said again. He seemed to have a little trouble with his throat and had to clear it. "I'm glad to have your order, Mr. Dolan. It's a worthwhile order, too. Very worthwhile, I should say. But it seems, well, kind of large for a man like you."
"What you mean, Joe Garfield," Birdy said in an amiable way, "is you wonder how Tom's going to pay for it." (55.2-3)
Earlier in the novel, Mr. Ackerman went to the pharmacy with Tom to vouch for him. This is years later, and it shows that Tom still needs some guidance in the adult world, but also how much he's grown: now he's making a substantial purchase of his own, rather than running an errand for someone else. Birdy also gets a kick out of sticking up for Tom, and is very proud of him for making the purchase on his own. Cute, huh?
Quote #9
Tom picked it up with the fork and then stood face on to the big brown bird. He had never cut up anything like that and suddenly suggested maybe Mr. Hook would know how to do it right. But Polly Ann would not hear of it. She said Tom was in his own place and head of the family, with a fine new barn, and all, and Mr. Hook agreed. (60.5)
Remember when the Grinch gets the honor of carving the roast beast? Carving the holiday bird at the Christmas dinner table is an iconic position to signify that a person is the head of the celebration. Polly Ann insists that Tom take that position, and it means all the more to get the stamp of approval from Mr. Hook because Tom has seen him as a role model throughout the book. Let's hope he doesn't ruin the meal for everyone.