Chapter 23: “A Series of Misfortunes”

Socially Mack and the boys were beyond the pale [...] They drew into themselves and no one could force how they would come out of the cloud. For there are two possible reactions to social ostracism--either a man emerges determined to be better, purer, and kindlier or he goes bad, challenges the world and does even worse things. This last is by far the commonest reaction to stigma. (128)

In a time when people tear themselves to pieces with ambition and nervousness and covetousness, they [Mack and the boys] are relaxed. All of our so-called successful men are sick men, with bad stomachs, and bad souls, but Mack and the boys are healthy and curiously clean. They can do what they want. They can satisfy their appetites without calling them something else. (129)

“Look at them. There are your true philosophers. I think,” he went on, “that Mack and the boys know everything that has ever happened in the world and possibly everything that will happen. I think they survive in this particular world better than other people. (129) Photo of Mr. Jake Jaskowiak of MN, Steinbeck Institute 2013

“It has always seemed strange to me,” said Doc. “The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second.” (131)

Melancholy Baby (Link to music)