Tortilla Flat

Main Ideas

• Friendship and camaraderie as the foundation of the characters' lives. The book highlights the importance of human connections and supporting each other in tough times.
• Poverty and simplicity of life. The characters live in poverty but find joy in simple things and do not strive for material wealth.
• Freedom and independence. The characters value their freedom and independence, choosing to live by their own rules rather than conforming to societal norms.
• Critique of society and social norms. Through his characters, Steinbeck illustrates the disconnect between societal expectations and the reality of people's lives.
• Life on the fringes of society. The characters live on the outskirts of society, yet this does not prevent them from being happy and finding meaning in their lives.