Tortilla Flat

John Steinbeck

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Important Quotations Explained

The paisanos are free of commercialism, free of the complicated systems of American business, and, having nothing that can be stolen, exploited or mortgaged, that system has not attacked them very vigorously.


One cry of pain escaped him before he left for all time his old and simply existence. "Pilon," he said sadly, "I wished you owned it and I could come live with you."


Our Father is in the evening. These birds are flying across the forehead of the father. Dear birds, dear sea gulls, how I love you all.


To think, all those years I lay in that chicken house, and I did not know any pleasure. But now, oh, now I am very happy.


I will go out to The One who can fight. I will find The Enemy who is worthy of Danny.


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