How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
"But you're a good butcher, Papa. Even Mr. Tanner said you were the best in the country."
"He say that?"
"Honest, Papa. He said he could look at half a pork and tell it was you that boiled and scraped it. He said you even had your own trade mark. When you kill pork and twain it, head to rump, you always do what no other man does. You even divide the tail, and half it right to the end. He said this on the way to Rutland."
"I'm sure glad to be famed for something." (12.62-65)
Although he might not be the richest man in town, or even the best farmer, Papa can lay claim to being the very best butcher. Even an ex-piggy's tail shows how dedicated he is. Why? Because he believes in the importance of doing a good job.
Quote #5
"I think I may need a new winter coat."
"Better speak to your mother to start stitching."
"I want a store coat. I need one."
"So do I. But one thing to learn, Rob, is this. Need is a weak word. Has nothing to do with what people get. Ain't what you need that matters. It's what you do. And your mother'll do you a coat." (12.77-80)
When you're as poor as the Pecks are, you need to know the difference between what you need and what you simply want.
Quote #6
"Jacob Henry said that in one store in Learning they let you wear all the coats you want before you buy one. And you can put on any coat you want and walk around the store in it, even if you don't buy it. But you know what I'd do. I'd buy a red and black one, like Jacob Henry's. It would be my coat forever, and I'd never wear it out."
"Reckon you'd outgrow it before you outwear it."
"Probably would. But I sure do want a coat like that. Why do we have to be Plain People? Why do we, Papa?"
"Because we are." (12.83-86)
Wow, even the idea of wearing a fancy store-bought coat around in the store is enough to make Rob's head spin. But Papa knows that first and foremost, they are plain people, and they need to keep their priorities straight.