Maggie: A Girl of the Streets Men and Masculinity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #1

Down the avenue came boastfully sauntering a lad of sixteen years, although the chronic sneer of an ideal manhood already sat upon his lips. His hat was tipped with an air of challenge over his eye. Between his teeth, a cigar stump was tilted at the angle of defiance. He walked with a certain swing of the shoulders which appalled the timid. (1.11)

Here's Pete, Shmoopers. This first image is an indelible one, and as the description makes clear, he is one hundred and ten percent man, even at the age of sixteen.

Quote #2

The boy followed a dozen feet in the rear. He swore luridly, for he felt that it was degradation for one who aimed to be some vague soldier, or a man of blood with a sort of sublime license, to be taken home by a father. (1.37)

When Mr. Johnson interrupts the Rum Alley versus Devil's Row scrap, it's a big humiliation for Jimmie. How uncool is it to have Dad come pick you up? It's like your parents going with you on a date.

Quote #3

The wife put her immense hands on her hips and with a chieftain-like stride approached her husband. (2.21)

Mrs. Johnson is a force to be reckoned with. In fact, she is the exception to the rule that only men can be powerful in this book.