Farrell, James T. "Curbstone Philosophy".

Summary

- a group of youngsters chew tobacco and discusses the gangs and their leaders

- always when there is a girl passing by, the group revives and throws some remarks on her appearance

- the central character is a nameless elder person who praises the leader of one gang with whom he himself had a fight and the fight had no winner

- a policeman appears, there is a verbal fight, and the nameless "hero" is slapped on his face and bid to disappear

- the group is dissolved

Analysis

- a plotless story concentrating on the atmosphere rather than on actual action

- features the character of Studs Lonigan, the protagonist of the author's novel trilogy

- set in Chicago, portrays the working class youths

- portrays the worship of street gangs, violent "heroes", and physical power

- suggests the exclusiveness of such community (only young are accepted, the old and the weak are laughed at)