Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck

Published in 1935, this novel is perhaps one of the best examples of Steinbeck's early writings which would pave the way for later short novels such as 'Of Mice and Men' (1937). The novel is set in Monterey, California, during the aftermath of World War I and follows the lives of a group of paisanos—men of mixed Mexican, Native American, and Caucasian heritage—who live a carefree, communal lifestyle.

Steinbeck wrote 'Tortilla Flat' as a homage to the Arthurian legends, which is reflected in the episodic structure and the camaraderie among the characters, reminiscent of the Knights of the Round Table. The book's publication came at a time when the United States was still grappling with the Great Depression, and its portrayal of resilient, albeit flawed, characters resonated with readers, birthing what we know today as Steinbeck's 'everyman' trope.

Plot

The story begins when Danny returns from the war to find that he has inherited two houses from his grandfather. Initially unaware of the responsibilities of property ownership, Danny invites his friends to live with him, transforming his home into a center of their adventures and mischief. Their lives are marked by a mix of vagrancy and camaraderie, as they navigate their desires and the demands of their friendship.

Pilon, a cunning and resourceful man, convinces Danny to let him rent one of the houses. Pilon, however, never intends to pay rent and soon invites Pablo and Jesus Maria to share the house with him. They quickly fall behind on the rent but come up with various schemes to obtain money, often involving stealing or conning others. Despite their dubious methods, the paisanos exhibit a sense of morality and compassion that endears them to the reader.

A significant subplot involves the Pirate, a simple and gentle man who lives with his five loyal dogs. The Pirate is known for collecting and selling wood to save money for a golden candlestick to donate to St. Francis in gratitude for a miracle. The other paisanos, initially skeptical of the Pirate's savings, eventually come to respect his devotion and help him achieve his goal.

Danny's group also includes Big Joe Portagee, whose troubles with alcohol and the law provide a mix of humor and pathos. Each character's vices and virtues are explored through various episodes, revealing the complexities of their personalities and relationships.

As the story progresses, Danny grows increasingly disillusioned with his newfound responsibilities and the changes in his life. His restlessness leads him to embark on a series of wild escapades, ultimately resulting in his physical and emotional decline. The paisanos, recognizing Danny's distress, try to support him, but their efforts are in vain.

The novel reaches its climax when Danny, in a final act of rebellion, goes on a destructive rampage, injuring himself in the process. Despite the best efforts of his friends, Danny succumbs to his injuries, and his death marks a poignant turning point for the group.

In the aftermath of Danny's death, the paisanos hold a grand party to honor his memory, showcasing their deep bond and the spirit of celebration that defines their lives. However, the party ends in a fire that destroys Danny's house, symbolizing the end of an era for the group.

'Tortilla Flat' concludes with the remaining paisanos going their separate ways, their camaraderie and shared experiences leaving an indelible mark on their lives. And so, it ends with that turning point for the characters in which they must face reality - it is also familar to Steinbeck's other novels including 'Cannery Row', 'Sweet Thursday', 'Of Mice and Men' and even in some ways 'The Pearl'.

Into the Book

One of the big themes in the book is friendship as it explores the close-knit relationships among the paisanos and their communal lifestyle. Their bond is depicted as both a source of strength and a means of survival. Steinbeck illustrates the importance of friendship when he writes about Danny and his friends: “The friends of Danny grew closer together. They shared their food and their joy. Each one, they felt, had given up something for the group”. Thus highlighting how the paisanos' sense of community is built on mutual sacrifice and shared experiences.

The group's decision to pool their resources and help the Pirate save money for a golden candlestick demonstrates their solidarity. Despite their initial skepticism, they support the Pirate's dream, showing their deep-seated loyalty and affection for each other: “The friends who had laughed now became his champions. They warned him of bargains and suggested saving places, and they stood guard over the can as though it were their own”.

“The story was gradually taking shape. Pilon liked it this way. It ruined a story to have it all come out quickly. The good story lay in half-told things which must be filled in out of the hearer's own experience.”

- Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck

Another theme is poverty and wealth that are seen in opposition to each other in the lives of the characters within the text. Despite their lack of material wealth, the paisanos find richness in their relationships and experiences. The novel frequently portrays the characters' nonchalant attitude toward money and material possessions. For instance, Danny's initial reaction to inheriting property is not one of joy, but rather of ambivalence: “The word 'property' is not often used among the paisanos, but when it is, it means something real. Property has no emotional connotation for them”. This quote underscores the paisanos' indifference to material wealth, valuing their freedom and camaraderie more highly.

Pilon's schemes to pay rent reflect the group’s ongoing struggle with poverty. Despite their efforts, they often fall short, yet remain untroubled: “Money is easy to make. But happiness is harder to come by”. This sentiment encapsulates their philosophy of valuing happiness and friendship over financial stability.

“Beans are a warm cloak against economic cold.”

- Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck

The final theme that I think is important is the idea of there being a thin line between what is right and what is wrong. This is true as Steinbeck delves into these moral complexities in his characters. Their actions, while often ethically questionable, are usually motivated by a sense of loyalty and a desire to help each other.

The paisanos' frequent petty thefts are depicted with a certain charm, blurring the lines between right and wrong. For example, when Pilon steals food from a neighbour to feed his friends, Steinbeck writes: “Pilon didn’t mind stealing, but he did hate to steal from friends”. This quote reflects Pilon's internal conflict and the moral ambiguity of his actions.

The Pirate’s journey to save money for the golden candlestick represents a path to redemption. Initially viewed as a simpleton, his dedication and eventual success earn him the respect of his peers: “The Pirate stood in the church and tears rolled down his cheeks. His friends watched him with new respect”. This moment of redemption highlights the potential for goodness and honour within each character, despite their flaws.

"It is not a good story. There are too many meanings and too many lessons in it. Some of those lessons are opposite. There is not a story to take into your head. It proves nothing."

- Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck

Why It's a Masterpiece

John Steinbeck’s writing in "Tortilla Flat" is known for its lyrical and evocative prose, which vividly brings the setting and characters to life. His descriptions of Monterey, California, and the lives of the paisanos are rich and immersive, drawing readers into the world he depicts. Not only this, but it also depicts marginalised characters at a turbulent time in Modern American History. At a time when they were overlooked, Steinbeck’s sympathetic and nuanced depiction of their lives brought attention to their experiences and challenges.

On top of this, it's set in the aftermath of World War I. The novel captures the disillusionment and search for meaning that characterised much of America during this period. The characters’ struggles reflect broader societal themes of the time, making the novel a valuable cultural document for us to learn about the difficulties faced by the everyman.

Conclusion

Known for its loveable characters and its blend of humour and pathos, Steinbeck dishes out a style which will make him one of the most revered writers of his time. He introduces us to his everyman characters, his themes that tilt beyond the realm of simple answers to right and wrong and, above all, he makes us feel a whole range of emotions that we did not know were possible to experience altogether, all at once.

Next Week: If on a Winter's Night a Traveller by Italo Calvino