Ever wonder what it was like to be poor in early twentieth century America? The Adventures of Augie March gives us several snapshots of the conditions people faced, particularly after the Wall Street crash and before the start of the Second World War. Business owners struggle to sustain themselves and their families. People in great need search unsuccessfully for gainful employment. Free-riders pack trains to hitch a ride from place to place. A lot of folks take to crime. Through Augie's adventures, we see how some people suffered from poverty and how others used it for their own advantage. Which path would you choose?
Questions About Poverty
- Why is Augie able to be friends with a landlord who will endanger the lives and health of tenants who cannot pay their rent?
- Why do the Renlings believe that their adopting Augie would be a kind of rescue?
- In the book, what is the relationship between poverty and crime?
- What's Augie's general disposition towards money?
Chew on This
Esther's family wealth is a reason Augie falls in love with her.
Esther's family wealth is not a reason Augie falls in love with her.