How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
[Massey] led Tom into the barn to get them, and Tom looked enviously at the two lines of big Holstein cows in their iron stanchions, standing on the concrete floor. He wouldn't be able to afford anything like that for a long time. But when Massey said, "I hear you've got a real good barn," he agreed. (45.4)
Material items are like Oreos. Once you have one, you want more. Tom even expresses this very idea later on in the book when he thinks, "it seemed that when you had a thing you wanted, it always led you on to wanting one thing more" (58.8). Striving is good, but characters like Mr. Massey, Polly Ann, and Birdy remind Tom to be appreciative of what he has and be patient in his plans for getting more. Tone down the greed, Tommy Boy.
Quote #8
[Tom] said he wanted to start getting better cows than their little Swiss ones, and how he had to find a team of horses and a lumber wagon and some machinery.
"With more cows, you're going to need more land," Mr. Hook said.
There was a piece along the river, Tom told him, in front of their place, near eighteen acres. It belonged to Walt Sweeny, but he hadn't worked it for years. Tom figured to buy that to start with. He'd offer eight, maybe ten, dollars an acre, which was a good price. (60.10-12)
Tom continues to make plans to improve life for his family even after he moves his barn. Achieving one dream can push you to want to achieve more. You don't want to let that momentum make you greedy, but you should let it continue to inspire you to make good, practical plans.
Quote #9
I want to make the Dolan place a paying farm. When it does pay, I'm going to put our name up on the barn, DOLAN FARM. Up to now, nobody, Hannaberrys nor Dolans, ever did a lick of work if they could help it. Except Ma. I want people to start thinking different. (60.15)
Being your own boss on your own property is a pretty central symbol of the American dream, and Tom is that dream personified. On top of the property thing, he wants to change the way others view his family. Does that mean Tom's dream is motivated by anger toward his father and grandfather? Or would you describe his motivations in a different way?