How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Billy, those kinds of dogs cost money, and that's something we don't have right now. Maybe some day when we can afford it, you can have them, but not right now." (2.08)
This is a line Billy is going to hear over and over: "someday we'll have money." Guess what? He's the one who's going to get them that money.
Quote #2
I began to see dogs in my sleep. I went back to my father and mother. It was the same old story. Good hounds cost money, and they just didn't have it. (2.19)
Yep, we told you. Billy's family just doesn't have money. They'd be happy to stroll on down the pound and get him a regular dog, but Billy wants a "good hound." No mutts here.
Quote #3
"I offered to get him a dog," said Papa, "but he doesn't want just any kind of dog. He wants hounds, and they cost money […] If I had that much money, I'd buy another mule. I sure do need one." (2.24)
We aren't given too many details about the family's financial situation, aside from the whole not having any money, but here we see that they don't even have enough to cover the needs of the farm. Man, does farming seem like hard work or what?
Quote #4
I knew my mother and father were poor and didn't have any money. I began to feel sorry for them and myself. (2.25)
This is one of the only times that Billy feels the effects of poverty. Yeah, he feels bummed for a minute—but instead of letting it get him down, he just goes out and earns his own money. Sure makes us think twice about asking for a raise for our allowances.
Quote #5
"I'll ask him," I said, "but you know how Papa is. The farm comes first with him." (14.64)
The way Billy says this, it's almost like he doesn't get why Papa cares so much about the farm. Um, try "feeding his family," Billy. You'll understand some day.
Quote #6
I thought of my dogs. They were tied with small cotton ropes, and had collars made from old check-line leather. (15.66)
We don't often see Billy's faith in his dogs shaken, but he gets a little shaken when he sees all these sleek-looking, rich dogs. But not for long. Remember, his dogs are completely awesome.
Quote #7
Beautiful combs and brushes were used to brush expensive oils into their glossy hair […] Knowing I had no oils, I got some butter from our grocery box. With the homemade butter and grandpa's hair set, I brushed her until she shone. (15.75-82)
Talk about working with what you've got. Billy refuses to let his lack of money get in the way of accomplishing his goals—to the extent of rubbing butter into his dog's coat. We hope she gets a good bath later.
Quote #8
Looking down, I saw the box was full of money. I was shaking all over. I tried to say "Thanks," but it was only a whisper. (18.84)
Remember, Billy has been giving all his hunting money to his parents, so this prize money is probably more than he has ever seen in his entire life. This money is going to change he life, and he doesn't even know it.
Quote #9
I've managed to make the farm feed us and clothe us and I've saved every cent your furs brought in. (19.176)
Even though they needed a mule and other farm tools, Billy's parents saved every penny from the hunting in order to give their children a better life. These are some seriously good people—no wonder Billy turned out so well.
Quote #10
I even noticed a change in Papa. He didn't have that whipped look on his face any more. He was in high spirits as we carried the furniture out to our wagon.
The Colmans emerge from under the shadow of poverty, and are moving on to a new life in town. We're not exactly sure what Papa's planning to do to make money in town, but it must turn out okay. At least, Billy sounds pretty comfortable when he starts telling this story at the beginning of the novel.