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Similes
Chapter 5
Explanation and Analysis—I Never Read the Paper:
In Chapter 5, Richard lives with his Granny while in the sixth grade. Richard has started selling papers for money; secretly, he enjoys reading the literary supplement at the back of each issue. Normally, Granny forbids reading anything other than the Bible, calling it "the devil's work." But Granny allows Richard to have a job, which ironically allows him to read in hiding:
Now, at last, I could have my reading in the home, could have it there with the approval of Granny. She had already given me permission to sell papers. Oh, boy, how lucky it was for me that Granny could not read!
Related Themes:
Chapter 10
Explanation and Analysis—No Stealing:
In Chapter 10, Richard gets hired for one of his many jobs, this time by a movie theater as a ticket-taker. Richard knows that he has kept himself out of legal trouble, so he thinks he will get the job; however, situational irony is in play:
Unlock with LitCharts A+My chances for getting the job were good; I had no past record of stealing or violating the laws. [...] The boss man warned me:
"Now, look, I'll be honest with you if you be honest with me. I don't know who's honest around this joint and who isn't. But if you are honest, then the rest are bound to be. All tickets will pass through your hands. There can be no stealing unless you steal."
Related Themes:
