Pete is characterized as the savior who rescues Maggie after she has been kicked out of the house. Maggie’s thoughts and action towards Pete are displayed when the text states, “She seemed to beseech tenderness of him” (Crane 73). It is evident that Maggie has begun to take interest in Pete as he is her alternate from her past experiences, but readers are able to quickly see through Pete. After encountering a longtime companion, Nellie, Pete’s behavior and attitude towards Maggie begin to shift. Pete’s interest in Nellie is shown as he leaves Maggie at the hall. The narrator informs readers that “the woman walked down between the rows of tables, Pete was at her shoulder talking earnestly, apparently in explanation. The woman waved her hands with studied airs of indifference. The doors swung behind them, leaving Maggie and the mere boy seated at the table” (Crane 80). Due to this, Maggie is confused and unsure of her relationship with Pete and shocked in his change in behavior. Again, Maggie is left to fend for herself as Pete leaves Maggie for another woman. When asked where she should go Pete responds with, “Oh, go teh hell” (Crane 86). Pete fails to see how he has impacted Maggie as she began to depend on him. Pete is concerned with keeping his respectability at his workplace and believes Mary and Jimmie are to blame for …show more content…
The tragic plot form of the novel unfolded the events that lead to all of the characters decisions and motives. As readers, one is shown how Maggie’s motives and how her surrounding has impacted her with not leaving any room for desires. While leaning on her family and Pete for support, Maggie is disregarded. The characters unwillingness to help Maggie and hear her out drives her into the life of a prostitute. The mode of realism created by the author permits his readers to learn a valuable lesson. The significance of the novel is that individuals are raised in harsh environments that hinder them from growing, learning, and developing what is needed to survive and flourish in life. Individuals want to feel that they are important and do not go unnoticed. We must come to realize that poverty is not glamorous but something that individuals experience daily. It does not hurt for one to lend a helping hand or take a step back to reflect on how their actions may have impacted someone else’s. In the novel, readers a rooting for Maggie and want her to prosper, but we can also see how quickly society categorizes prostitution. Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is a thought-provoking novel as it offers the fictional attempt to give the effect of an unpolished American