How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"We will have to lend him clothes," said Jesus Maria. "I have a coat and vest. Pilon has his father's good hat. You, Danny, have a shirt, and Big Joe has those fine blue pants." (12.37)
When the Pirate finally has saved enough to buy the candle for Saint Francis (in Spanish, San Francisco de Assisi), the friends show how generous they are. They get organized so that the Pirate will have good clothes to wear to the church on the day of the presentation, and no one feels selfish or possessive over his own clothes. This friendship is characterized by a "what's mine is yours" kind of a mindset.
Quote #8
The Pirate and his dogs slept in the living room, secure and warm in their corner. Pilon and Pablo and Jesus Maria and Danny and Big Joe Portagee slept in the bedroom. For all his kindness, his generosity, Danny never allowed his bed to be occupied by anyone but himself. (14.3)
Even with all this communal sharing, there's one thing that lets Danny continue to be the leader of the gang. It's his house, but no one really seems to care too much about that, and no one ever pays him rent. However, Danny sets out a rule from the start that no one can share his bed. This shows that Danny is still the symbolic ruler of the group, even if he doesn't get much initial respect.
Quote #9
Thy life is not thine own to govern, Danny, for it controls other lives. See how thy friends suffer! Spring to life, Danny, that thy friends may live again! (16.9)
This weird language is part of the special style of Tortilla Flat, and it indicates an intimacy between the speaker and the protagonist (see our "Writing Style" section for more on this). In the end, this direct address from the narrator to Danny shows us how important Danny is to his friends—they need him to come to life so that the group itself can stay alive.