# VII explained — You Can’t Win

> Chapter companion for You Can’t Win by Jack Black.

## What happens

After escaping from jail, the narrator reunites with Smiler, and together they commit a burglary to obtain a coat and food. They board a train, hide stolen watches in a coal car, and travel to Pocatello, Idaho, where they meet the fence Salt Chunk Mary to sell their loot.

## Themes in this chapter

### Underworld Code and Loyalty

Smiler and the narrator form a bond of mutual aid and trust, sharing loot and protecting each other from the law.

### Survival and Adaptability

The narrator quickly adapts to a life of theft and vagrancy, learning from Smiler how to evade capture and secure necessities.

## Character check-ins

### Smiler

The narrator's cellmate and partner in crime; he orchestrates the burglary and teaches the narrator the ropes.

### Mary

Salt Chunk Mary, a fence and friend to bums and thieves, who buys the stolen watches and provides a meal.

### Jeff Carr

A railroad bull in Cheyenne known for his hostility toward bums; mentioned as a threat to avoid.

## Key lines

> I gave no thought to the burglary. It seemed right that I should have a coat and food. My money was behind in the jail. I couldn't buy them. I had stolen them. Somehow I felt satisfied, as if I had got even with somebody.

The narrator felt no guilt about the burglary, rationalizing it as a justified act of survival and a way to settle a score with an unjust world.

_Reflects the narrator's moral justification for theft as a response to his circumstances._

> How could a boy help admiring such wisdom? I was flattered to be taken up by one so experienced, so confident and active about his work, and withal, so carefree, happy, and smiling.

The narrator looks up to Smiler as a mentor, impressed by his skill, confidence, and cheerful demeanor.

_Highlights the narrator's admiration and the formative influence of Smiler on his criminal path._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/you_can_t_win_se/chapters/vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/you_can_t_win_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/you_can_t_win_se/chapters