Little Caesar · Chapter
II explained
Rico is ambushed and shot by gunmen in a touring car, but survives with a shoulder wound.
What happens
Rico is ambushed and shot by gunmen in a touring car, but survives with a shoulder wound. He is aided by Joe Massara and escorted by Jastrow, Killer Pepi, and Otero back to The Palermo, where Sam Vettori and the gang celebrate his survival. After being treated by The Sheeny, Rico plans a retaliatory 'big cleanup' against Little Arnie, ordering Bat Carillo to smash Jew Mike's and assembling a crew for a direct attack.
Themes in this chapter
Masculinity and Violence
Rico's stoic response to being shot and his immediate planning of violent retaliation reinforce the gangster code of toughness and dominance.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Joe Massara's loyalty is reaffirmed as he rushes to Rico's aid, while Little Arnie's betrayal triggers the gang's planned crackdown.
Characters to notice
- Rico
Survives an assassination attempt, receives treatment, and plans retaliation against Little Arnie.
- Joe Massara
Arrives at the drugstore after being tipped off about the attack, accompanies Rico back to The Palermo.
- Killer Pepi
Returns from robberies with Kid Bean, escorts Rico, and eagerly volunteers to retaliate.
- Sam Vettori
Celebrates wildly at The Palermo when Rico returns safely.
- Little Arnie
Identified as the instigator of the ambush; Rico plans to give him 'the grand rush.'
Key passages
“A goddamn fine shot you are!”
Rico taunts his would-be assassins for failing to kill him.
Rico's defiance and contempt for his attackers after being shot.
“Now listen, you birds, tonight’s the big cleanup. If these guys want trouble, why, that’s what we’re looking for.”
Rico declares that the gang will launch a decisive attack against their enemies that night.
Rico asserts his leadership and escalates the gang war.