# II explained — Little Caesar

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

## What happens

Rico arrives at Sansotta's place after escaping from Chicago. He meets with Sansotta, who shows him a wanted poster offering a reward for his capture. Rico decides to stay with Sansotta until things calm down, though he feels resentful about losing his position in Chicago.

## Themes in this chapter

### Crime and Consequence

Rico is a wanted fugitive for murder, with a reward for his capture dead or alive, highlighting the consequences of his criminal actions.

### Fear and Paranoia

The dark hallway, locked doors, and cautious lookout reflect the constant fear and paranoia in the criminal underworld.

## Character check-ins

### Rico

Arrives at Sansotta's back door, explains his escape from Chicago, and decides to stay with Sansotta.

### Sansotta

Hides Rico, shows him the wanted poster, and offers him a place to stay.

## Key lines

> Wanted for murder: Cesare Bandello, known as Rico, Age: 29. Height: 5 ft. 5 in. Weight: 125. Complexion: pale. Hair: black and wavy. Eyes: light, grey or blue. His face is thin and he walks with one foot slightly turned in. Does not take up with strangers. Solitary type, morose and dangerous. Reward: $5,000, offered by management of Casa Alvarado. $2,000, offered by City of Chicago, for capture dead or alive.

A wanted poster describes Rico as a solitary, dangerous murderer with a $7,000 total reward for his capture.

_This poster establishes Rico's criminal status and the high stakes of his fugitive life._

> I was just getting started. Everything was on the up and up when one of the gang turned softie. Ain't that hell?

Rico laments that his promising criminal career was ruined by a traitor in his gang.

_Rico's resentment reveals his ambition and the theme of betrayal._

## Links

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