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Little Caesar · Chapter

I explained

Rico escapes to Hammond, disposes of his license plates and greasy clothes, and reflects on his successful getaway.

What happens

Rico escapes to Hammond, disposes of his license plates and greasy clothes, and reflects on his successful getaway. He boards a streetcar and makes small talk with the conductor.

Themes in this chapter

  • Crime and Consequence

    Rico's successful escape and pride in his criminal act highlight the theme of crime and its immediate aftermath.

  • Fear and Paranoia

    Rico's careful actions—burying plates, wiping grease, shaving his moustache—reflect his underlying fear of being caught.

Characters to notice

  • Rico

    Rico flees to Hammond, buries his license plates, wipes grease from his face, and feels proud of his escape.

  • Arrigo

    Arrigo gave Rico the army shirt he is wearing.

  • Sansotta

    Rico considers telling Sansotta about his escape.

Key passages

  • “What a cinch”

    What an easy job

    Rico expresses his satisfaction with how smoothly the escape went.

  • “When you’re looking for trouble, why, things are OK.”

    When you expect problems, everything goes smoothly.

    Rico reflects on the irony that trouble doesn't come when you're prepared for it.

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