How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
All of a sudden Tom realized that it might be possible for him to buy the Breen place. Three years of taxes wouldn't amount to over thirty dollars. He didn't want that land, but if he had to buy the land to get hold of his barn, he would do it. (26.23)
Tom's saving and planning is starting to pay off, and what seemed totally far-fetched for a poor thirteen-year-old boy now seems like it just might work out. Tom sees how the progress he's achieved so far is making the dream come into reach.
Quote #5
It's not as if it was bad news, Tom. Like for instance, you losing your job with Ackerman and Hook. That's a real thing and your idea about the barn and getting it for taxes was a dream you'd worked out. I'm not saying it wasn't a good plan. It was, I guess. But it depended on might-have-beens, and might-have-beens ain't things to grieve for unless you want to roll in pity for yourself. (32.29)
Here, Polly Ann talks with Tom after he gets the disappointing news that someone else has purchased the Breen property. She tells him to focus on practical things rather than hopes and dreams. She's not trying to be a dream-crusher; this is a woman who's had to be practical for herself, for the useless men in her life, and for three kids. It's no wonder she doesn't entertain pie-in-the-sky hopes and dreams. She's been too busy working her butt off.
Quote #6
You hadn't ought to get discouraged, Tom. Sure, it seems bigger than you thought, now you've learned what it takes to get a thing done. But, Tom, you got this idea about the Breen barn three years ago. You've never let go of it. You were a dreamy young boy then, and it seemed as long as you wished something it would surely be. Now you're sixteen. You've changed. You're big as some men are. Strong, too. And you've been growing up inside. But, Tom, that idea was good. It would be a sin to give it up because it looks some harder. That idea was what started you doing things, like working for Ackerman & Hook, like fixing up our house. It's not only been good for you, it's been so for the girls and me, and we are proud of you. (34.6)
Could the cynical Polly Ann be coming around to the idea of believing in dreams after all? When Polly Ann sees that Tom's dream is coming true, her pep talk shows a change in tone. Even if she's never been the dreamer he is, she offers support when Tom feels overwhelmed by the process of moving the barn he's finally purchased. She also demonstrates how Tom's dream hasn't only positively affected Tom: it's changed those around him for the better, too.