Little Caesar · Theme
Crime and Consequence
How Little Caesar develops Crime and Consequence.
The narrative follows the rise and fall of gangster Rico and his associates, showing how criminal actions inevitably lead to violence, betrayal, and downfall, as seen in the murders, arrests, and executions that punctuate the story.
Where it surfaces
- Epigraph
The epigraph's warning that sowing hemlock yields no corn directly alludes to the inescapable repercussions of criminal actions, a central theme of the novel.
- I
The gang meticulously plans a robbery, with Vettori emphasizing the limits of what can be fixed by the Big Boy—murder is off-limits.
- I
The robbery and murder of Courtney set the stage for the inevitable repercussions of criminal actions.
- IV
Rico's visit to the fence and the news of Captain Courtney's murder highlight the ongoing criminal activities and their repercussions.
- V
Tony's guilt and dread after the robbery illustrate the psychological weight of criminal actions.
- VII
Rico's obsessive reading of the clippings shows his preoccupation with the aftermath of the robbery and murder, and his concern over how he is portrayed.
- III
Joe Massara faces the immediate consequences of his criminal activities as he is arrested and jailed.
- IV
Joe faces the immediate consequences of his alleged crime: arrest, solitary confinement, lineup identification, and the threat of hanging.
- VII
Rico faces the immediate consequences of murdering Courtney, forced into hiding.
- I
Rico's successful escape and pride in his criminal act highlight the theme of crime and its immediate aftermath.
- II
Rico is a wanted fugitive for murder, with a reward for his capture dead or alive, highlighting the consequences of his criminal actions.
- VI
Rico's criminal success attracts violence and police attention, culminating in a shootout and his potential death.