How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Howls of renewed wrath went up from Devil's Row throats. Tattered gamins on the right made a furious assault on the gravel heap. On their small, convulsed faces there shone the grins of true assassins. As they charged, they threw stones and cursed in shrill chorus. (1.5)
Our first image in the novel isn't pretty. Imagine a bunch of kindergartners fighting like their lives depend upon it. Crane's point? They start early with the butt-kicking around here.
Quote #2
The small combatants pounded and kicked, scratched and tore. They began to weep and their curses struggled in their throats with sobs. The other little boys clasped their hands and wriggled their legs in excitement. They formed a bobbing circle about the pair. (1.29)
It doesn't take a child therapist to figure out this is not what children should be doing. Crane uses elevated language to describe these little scrappers, calling them "combatants," but still showing they are small children mixed up in a horrible world of violence.
Quote #3
"Stop that, Jim, d'yeh hear? Leave yer sister alone on the street. It's like I can never beat any sense into yer damned wooden head." (2.12)
Ah, yes—don't hit your sister… in public. If you do, I'll beat you within an inch of your life. That said, behind closed doors, do whatever you want to the girl.