Chapter 5 Summary

Maggie grows up to be a good-looking girl. Soon, the boys in the neighborhood begin to notice her. Jimmie takes over the role of head of the house after the death of their father and encourages Maggie to get a job. Maggie finds work in the shirt factory for 5 dollars a week. Mary's drinking becomes more frequent, she finds herself in trouble with the law regularly, and she is soon on a first-name basis with the police and court officials. Jimmie encounters Pete again on the street one day, and soon they begin to see each other regularly. Maggie notices Pete and finds him very attractive in his fine suits. Maggie listens attentively to Pete's stories and falls in love with him.

Chapter 5 Analysis

The fine clothing that Pete wears is symbolic of the life that Maggie wants to lead. As Maggie sees...