A Long Way from Chicago Poverty Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

In July they'd killed John Dillinger, Public Enemy Number One. He'd been on a long spree, robbing banks throughout the middle west. The public didn't know whether they wanted him caught or not. He'd provided a lot of entertainment in hard times. Since he stole from banks, he was called a Robin Hood, though he wasn't known for giving to the poor. (6.6)

Even though John Dillinger is a total bad guy, the public is still kind of on his side. With all the poverty and desperation that they're facing, it's hard to dislike someone who is sticking it to the banks.

Quote #8

"Vampires? No. The only bloodsuckers is the banks." Grandma stroked her chins. "Movies is all pretend. They're made in California, you know. But they prove a point. Make something seem real, and people will believe it. The public will swallow anything." (6.39)

Grandma Dowdel doesn't see vampires as monsters, but she does see banks as the real bloodsuckers. They're the ones who are taking away people's livelihoods, and she won't stand for that.

Quote #9

Grandma stepped back and clutched her throat, showing shock. "Don't tell me the bank's failed. Banks is failing all over. Had I better draw out my funds? Is there still time?"

"No, ma'am, the bank's still in business." Otis looked down at his boots. "Your seventeen dollars is safe." (6.108-109)

When Grandma Dowdel is summoned to come meet with Mr. Weidenbach, she demands to know if that bank has failed. She only has $17 in her account, but that's still money that she'd like to hang on to.