II explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Vettori and Rico's immediate suspicion of Tony's illness as a sign of weakness or betrayal, and their readiness to eliminate him, underscores the theme of loyalty and betrayal within the gang.

• Fear and Paranoia

  The constant surveillance and quick judgment of Tony's condition reflect the pervasive fear and paranoia that govern the characters' actions.

Characters to notice

• Rico

  Reading a magazine story about a rich society girl and a bootlegger; indifferent to Blackie's report but agrees to give Tony until tomorrow.

• Sam Vettori

  Impatiently questions Blackie about Tony's condition and gives him money to keep watch.

• Bat Carillo

  Announces Blackie's arrival and then leaves.

• Blackie Avezzano

  Reports that Tony is sick and has lost his guts; agrees to watch him.

• Tony Passa

  Mentioned as being sick and having lost his nerve; under surveillance.

Key passages

• “Rico read everything he could find that had anything to do with society. He was fascinated by a stratum of existence which seemed so remote and unreal to him.”

  Rico devoured any material about high society, captivated by a world that felt distant and fantastical.

  Highlights Rico's fascination with social class and his aspiration for a life beyond his own.

• “We can’t take no chances,” said Vettori. “I’ll give him till tomorrow,” said Rico; “he can’t go far wrong with Blackie watching him. After that if he don’t settle down there won’t be no more Tony.””

  Vettori insists they cannot risk any uncertainty, and Rico agrees to give Tony one day under Blackie's watch before deciding to kill him.

  Reveals the cold pragmatism and lethal consequences of perceived disloyalty in the gang.