How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Don't run scared, Tom. Most jobs seem a lot bigger than they are until you've got into them. Then they look a lot more possible." (38.9)
Add Mr. Hook to the list of folks who give Tom sage advice about persevering. Even though Tom's been planning to take the barn down and rebuild it on his property for a long time, the task seems pretty darn daunting when it comes time to do it. But Mr. Hook reminds Tom that once he gets started, it won't seem as overwhelming. How's that for a picker-upper?
Quote #8
All his life Drew had objected to having to pull anything more than the lightest load and several times while Tom was piling on the boards he had craned his head around and stared with a bald accusing eye. Now, when Tom climbed onto the seat and took up the lines, Drew closed his eyes, leaned tenderly into the collar, and groaned, but the wagon did not move.
Tom flicked his rump with the whip, sharp enough to make the horse toss his head and snort rebukingly, but he did lurch forward, the wheels turned slowly, and they started home. (42.1-2)
Here's a fun little reminder, courtesy of Drew, the Dolan's horse, that work is hard and we don't usually want to do it, but we have to.
Quote #9
[…] she had to keep on with her days of doing housework for her regular employers, as well as the one day doing washing for the men who worked at Massey's. (44.23)
Tom isn't the only character who displays perseverance. His mom is a great example of persevering too. As a little boy, Tom notices his mother's strong work ethic, and she persists as a hard worker even after Tom gets his own job and begins moving the barn. Do you think Tom would have the same sense of perseverance if not for his mother?