Tortilla Flat The Home Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

He had walked down earlier in the morning and viewed the square black ashes and twisted plumbing which had been his other house. (6.1)

We can only imagine what Danny must be thinking as he gazes upon the ruin of the house his friends had been living in. This second house was what gave Danny special status in the community: not only did he have his own house, but he could also collect rent on the second one—quite the luxury during the Great Depression. When the second house burns down, Danny is freed from one responsibility, so what we might imagine is a tragedy turns out to be a relief to him.

Quote #5

And he spoke disparagingly of his home, as a host should. "It is too small," he said. "It is not a fit place for one's friends to come. But it is warm and snug, especially for the dogs." (7.61)

The Pirate's home is probably not a place you would want to have a sleepover. He sleeps in a chicken house, which is bad enough, but he also shares it with five dogs. The funny thing is, this sentence shows that the Pirate considers the chicken house to be a totally normal place to live: it's "his home," and he's "a host" there. This is an example of irony, because when the Pirate criticizes his home, he's completely oblivious to the fact that it's not a home at all.

Quote #6

"The house where I live is owned by my friend Danny, and there is a good man, Señor Caporál. There is one to appeal to when trouble is upon one. Look, we will go there, and that Danny will give us shelter." (10.21)

Jesus Maria is painted as the hero in this passage because he helps out the poor corporal, but we also see that Danny is using his position as homeowner to help other people out. Danny's friends really appreciate this: Danny could collecting rent and trying to make money off these guys, but he lets his friends live with him more or less for free.