| Harry Riddle grew up in a poor neighborhood in a tar-paper hovel on the wrong side of the tracks. His father, an out-of-work cap maker, tells him that the secret to a successful and happy life is "to get rich, sleep till noon, and screw 'em all [society]." Harry takes this advice to heart, especially since he does not feel that he fits in with the other children in his neighborhood, who enjoy engaging in criminal activities. He strives to better his situation.
One night, while working in a cafeteria, he has an on-the-job accident. A crooked lawyer defends him and he decides to read the law with this man and become a lawyer himself. Things do not progress well and he is still poor. However, though he loses his first case, he meets the beautiful and fabulously wealthy Esme Geddes, marries her and moves to Ivanhoe Gardens, the top neighborhood in town. Harry enjoys being rich, eating fancy food, living in the lap of luxury, working for Payson Atterbury, and spending time with Wrose Wriggley. The novel includes many plays on words and makes fun of society, philosophy, and relationships. | ||
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Plot & Themes Tone of book? - humorous Time/era of story - 1930's-1950's Poverty, surviving Yes Kind of living: - rags to riches story Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book Main Character Gender - Male Profession/status: Age: - 20's-30's Main Adversary Identity: - none Setting How much descriptions of surroundings? - 5 () United States Yes The US: - Midwest City? Yes Misc setting Writing Style Amount of dialog - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog |
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