Dreams are Tawdry Summary and Analysis

Jim and Pete catch a DC-3 out of Guayaquil that takes them over the coastal plains and into the mountains to Quito where they are taken to Tidmarsh's home. From the start, Jim struggles with the inability to communicate in Spanish and looks forward to learning the language so he can speak for the Lord. That necessity pushes him to try and learn Spanish perfectly, which turns out to be a times-taking procedure with four classes each week.

He visits the market that he finds an interesting blend of every class of people. The large selection of fresh fruits and vegetables also pleases him. Jim makes friends with a young Ecuadorian named Abdon, and they help each other learn one another's language. Through this exchange, Jim comes to an understanding of the importance of training nationals to...