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Chapter 18
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Devil in a Blue Dress, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Race and Identity
Power and Corruption
Violence, Justice, and Morality
The American Dream
Summary
Analysis
Easy visits the local barbershop for a haircut from Ernest, a no-nonsense barber hardened by an abusive, alcoholic father. Ernest’s shop is a hub for community gathering and gossip, and Easy hopes he'll be able to glean some information about Frank Green. But before he can broach the subject with Ernest, two other patrons nearly come to blows over one dating the other’s ex-girlfriend. Ernest has to intervene, threatening them with his razor blades to diffuse the tension. Easy decides to leave, and he asks the smaller of the two men, Jackson Blue, to go with him.
The barbershop is a microcosm of the broader tensions and relationships within Easy’s community. Ernest’s firm hand in confronting conflict mirrors Easy’s developing role as someone who must manage delicate situations with both tact and authority. His decision to leave reflects his growing understanding of when to push and when to retreat—a skill crucial to his success as a detective.
Themes
As Easy and Jackson leave the barbershop, they’re approached by Zeppo, a homeless, disabled man who Ernest allows to beg outside of his shop. At first, Easy is annoyed—he knows that Jackson is one of Frank’s associates, and he wants to question him alone. But when Zeppo asks Jackson if he’s selling whiskey, Easy is grateful for his intrusion—Zeppo’s question makes Easy’s interest in Frank seem more incidental. Jackson mentions that Frank has “gone big time” and primarily sells to stores now, but Easy, claiming he’s planning a party and needs liquor, convinces Jackson to cut a deal.
Zeppo’s well-timed interruption allows Easy to subtly extract information from Jackson without drawing suspicion. This moment exemplifies Easy’s ability to adapt to unpredictable circumstances and turn them to his benefit, reinforcing his emerging identity as an investigator. Jackson’s mention of Frank’s move to “big time” operations adds a new layer to Frank’s character, suggesting a shift in his criminal trajectory that mirrors Easy’s own progression.
Themes
