Tortilla Flat

So I've been reading more than a bit lately, and thought I'd discuss this gem I finished late last night. John Steinbeck's Tortilla Flat, like so many of his works depicts impoverished people trying to get by in the greater Monterrey, California area around the era of the Great Depression. I found the book moves at a dreadfully slow pace and urges one to put the book down and do something fun, over and over again. What can be gained by such a story? Well, while the plot was less than riveting, a few ideas can be gained.

1). The character named "Pirate" has buried treasure. What can we learn? Pirates ALWAYS have buried treasure.

2). Though this story takes place during the era of Prohibition, the characters inevitably trade whatever they have, borrow, or steal, for wine. What can we learn? Legislating against something does not make it go away. People just get sneaky.

3). The author makes light of the fact that the characters are lying, cheating, thieving bums, but have a certain adherence to their Catholic religion. Steinbeck isn't saying that religion is bad, for it does not pose detrimental effects on the characters. On the other hand, they do not gain anything by it, since they ignore basic tenants of the faith by the life they lead. I think what Steinbeck is saying here is that a half-faith is no better than no-faith; believing only when it suits you does you no good. St. James puts it best when he says, Faith without deeds is dead. (James 1:17)