How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #10
Although the faces of the people were recently and mournfully veiled with gloom, there was excitement in their hearts. The government has promised a military funeral to all of its ex-soldier sons who wish it. Danny was the first of Tortilla Flat to go, and Tortilla Flat was ready critically to test the government promises. (17.2)
After World War I, almost any man of a certain age was an ex-soldier. So when Danny dies, the entire community has its eye on the government to see whether it will offer Danny a military funeral. What the government does for Danny will be a sign of what the government will do for everyone else in the community who served in the war.