Find quotes from this novel, with commentary from Shmoop. Pick a theme below to begin.
Technology and Modernization Quotes
There wasn't much to New Jersey south of Trenton in 1820. During the two generations following the American Revolution, things had changed little. (1.3)
Visions of Atlantic City Quotes
Before the American colonists arrived, Absegami was a campground for the Native Americans who came to avoid the summer heat. (1.7)
Politics Quotes
The politicians saw the easy money being made by the racketeers and demanded a piece of the action. (4.28)
Power Quotes
The Commodore was Boss and nothing was done without his okay; every candidate, employee, city contract, and mercantile license required his nod of approval. (4.32)
Society and Class Quotes
A medical practice in 19th-century America wasn't yet a path to wealth and prestige, and Pitney hungered for both. (1.1)
Manipulation Quotes
The railroads hired other "distinguished men of medicine" […] to make written endorsements and to prescribe a stay at the beach as the cure for every ailment. (2.17)
Race Quotes
The muscle and sweat needed to keep things going was furnished by Black workers, lured north in hope of a better life. (2.47)
Criminality Quotes
Prostitution was a ticklish subject in the resort. The presence of brothels in turn-of-the-20th century Atlantic City was well known, but talked about little. (4.1)