Lassie Come-Home respectfully depicts impoverished people coping with economic hardships, specifically the worldwide depressions of the 1930s. The novel focuses on how the members of one family react to and cope with poverty. Morality is emphasized, especially practicing honesty and helpfulness. Lying, cheating, and stealing are discouraged because doing the right thing is expected. Through such behavior, even the weakest people are empowered and strengthened to prevail over adversity. Thrift and work are rewarded with social approval although the financial benefits are usually minimal. Joe offers to eat less when he is told how expensive it is to feed a dog. Sam tries to lessen his family's guilt when he says he has quit smoking his pipe to im263 prove his health and does not mention the cost of tobacco. Intelligence and wisdom surpass class and wealth as desirable traits to empathize with others and improve...