Maggie: A Girl of the Streets Society and Class Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Two women in different parts of the city, and entirely unknown to each other, caused him considerable annoyance by breaking forth, simultaneously, at fateful intervals, into wailings about marriage and support and infants. (4.28)

Jimmie has his own set of problems. He has fathered two children whom he can't and won't support, doing his part to contribute to the cycle of misery.

Quote #5

None of the dirt of Rum Alley seemed to be in her veins. The philosophers up-stairs, down-stairs and on the same floor, puzzled over it. (5.2)

Although she lives in the eye of the poverty storm, Maggie remains untouched by all the degradation. No one can figure out how she manages to remain untouched by the only environment she has ever known. At the same time, though, this distinction raises an important question about whether she could actually transcend what seems to be her fate.

Quote #6

His mannerisms stamped him as a man who had a correct sense of his personal superiority. There was valor and contempt for circumstances in the glance of his eye. He waved his hands like a man of the world, who dismisses religion and philosophy, and says "Fudge." (5.11)

Pete, like Jimmie, has a strong sense of self. They both do the whole bravado thing, acting superior to everyone around them. Hey, fake it 'til you make it, we guess.