Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- Is Maggie's fate inevitable?
- Why does Pete abandon Maggie?
- What is Jimmie so angry about—in general and specifically?
- Why do Mary and Jimmie turn against Maggie? Where's the loyalty?
- What's Crane's attitude toward his characters? Condescending, sympathetic, or something else?
- Does Maggie have any redeeming characters?
- Why does Crane have baby Tommie die so abruptly?
- What are we supposed to think Maggie dies of?
- What is the place of religion in the lives of Crane's characters?
- What is the role of entertainment and live shows in the lives of the characters and of the audience members more generally?