# I explained — Little Caesar

> Chapter companion for Little Caesar by W. R. Burnett.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters/part-vii-i
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_caesar_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/little_caesar_se/chapters