How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Going back to the Home was out […] It's not like it was when I first got there, shucks, half the folks that run it don't even tell you their name and don't remember yours unless you're in trouble all the time or getting ready to move out. (7.39)
We don't really blame Bud for not wanting to go back to a place where he's just another kid no one knows. Bud can't feel at home in a place where people are such strangers that their names are a mystery. A home is a place where everyone knows your name.
Quote #5
"All these people," the mouth organ man said, "are just like you, they're tired, hungry, and a little bit nervous about tomorrow. This here is the right place for ya'll to be 'cause we're all in the same boat. And you boys are nearer to home than you'll ever get." (8.78)
If this really is home, then why is everyone so eager to leave on the next train? What is this place missing that Bud still needs to find?
Quote #6
I said, "You'll watch it yourself, ma'am? You'll make sure no one looks inside of it?" She said, "Son, we don't have no thieving in here, we all look out for each other." (8.98)
One thing the Flint Hooverville has going for it is that it's a tight community, which is certainly something that creates a homey feeling. People here are all in the same boat, so they help each other out and care for each other. Still, life isn't easy here. Nobody really wants to live in a shanty town, so in a lot of ways, Hooverville is just as temporary as a foster home or an orphanage.