1. To what extent is Tortilla Flat based on the legend of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table? Steinbeck stated in a letter to his agents in 1934, before the publication of Tortilla Flat in 1935, that the book had a “definite theme?based on the version of the Arthurian cycle that Steinbeck …
One of Americas leading twentieth century novelists, John Steinbeck was born on February 27, 1902, in the Salinas Valley, California. His father was John Ernst Steinbeck II, a Monterey County official, and his mother schoolteacher Olive Hamilton. It was Steinbecks mother who instilled in him a love of reading as a child. One of his …
“It is impossible to say whether Danny expected any rent, or whether Pilon expected to pay any. If they did, both were disappointed. Danny never asked for it, and Pilon never offered it.?(p. 16) A glimpse of the unusual way the paisanos go about their business arrangements. “Pilon was a lover of beauty and a …
Friendship is the Highest Value Steinbeck commented on the “different philosophical-moral system?of the paisanos. By this he meant that Dannys group of friends place the highest value on friendship, on the maintenance of the simple values that uphold their group. They avoid materialism and social hierarchies, which, in their eyes, undermine the values they live …
Wine Danny and his friends seem to be perpetually drinking wine. It is what they most enjoy doing. They can spend hours together talking and swapping stories over wine. Even though they have little money, they seem always able to obtain some wine from somewhere. On the surface, this might suggest that they are merely …
Jesus Maria Corcoran: Jesus Maria Corcoran is one of Dannys friends. He is a humanitarian, and “kindness [is] always in him.?It is Jesus Maria who makes the rash promise that the friends will ensure that there is always food in the house for Danny; he readily comes to the aid of the corporal with the …
Summary Chapter XVI After his return, Danny lives listlessly with his friends, as if he doesnt care about anything. He doesnt bother to join in the discussions. The friends worry about him and try to draw him out. But nothing works. Danny seems old and there is no light in his eyes. Pilon gives him …
Summary Chapter XIV This section begins with a description of the daily routine adopted by the friends. They sleeping in the same room, except for the Pirate, who sleeps in the living room. They rise late, then sit in the sun on the porch discussing local events and people, telling stories, enjoying the lazy rhythms …
Summary Chapter XII The Pirate continues to do his rounds every day, and the quarter he collects he gives to Danny, who puts it in the canvas bag under his pillow. The friends are proud of this money they are collecting and no one ever thinks of tampering with it. The goal is to buy …
Summary Chapter X Jesus Maria is always on the lookout to do some kindness for someone. One day near the post office he sees a policeman coming along the sidewalk leading a young boy of about sixteen who is carrying a baby. The boy speaks Spanish, which the policeman cannot understand. But Jesus Maria can, …
