# Alcoholism and the Saloon in How the Other Half Lives

> Theme guide for How the Other Half Lives by Jacob Riis.

The saloon is depicted as a pervasive and destructive force in tenement life, fostering addiction, political corruption, and crime while preying on the poor's misery.

## Where it surfaces

- [VII: A Raid on the Stale-Beer Dives](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/chapters/vii-a-raid-on-the-stale-beer-dives): The stale-beer dives are the central focus, representing the lowest form of alcohol consumption among tramps, with the dive-keeper profiting from beer dregs and the police raiding these establishments.
- [XVIII: The Reign of Rum](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/chapters/xviii-the-reign-of-rum): The chapter details the saloon's dominance in tenement life, its role in corrupting politics, and its devastating impact on children and families.
- [XIX: The Harvest of Tares](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/chapters/xix-the-harvest-of-tares): The 'growler' and the saloon are central to the gang's formation and persistence, providing both a meeting place and a corrupting influence.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/themes/alcoholism_and_the_saloon
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/how_the_other_half_lives_se/themes