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1. Describe the setting of the opening scene of Chapter 1.

Chapter 1 opens during a fight in a vacant lot between buildings, near the docks and the river. A gravel heap serves as the centerpiece of the fight. Tenements and other rundown buildings surround the lot.

2. Why does Pete break up the fight between Jimmie and the Devil's Row boys, but encourages the fight between Jimmie and Blue Billie?

Pete does not seem to mind fighting as long as it is fair. Jimmie is greatly outnumbered in the fight with the Devil's Row boys, but his fight with Blue Billie is one-on-one. Pete is opposed to the unfair fight, but okay with the fight between equals.

3. Why do Jimmie and Blue Billie fight in Chapter 1?

Blue Billie is bragging about his prowess in the fight with the Devil's Row boys and Jimmie is irritated by Billie's lies. Jimmie challenges Blue Billie to fight to settle who is actually the bravest and toughest. The fight escalates to an all-out brawl, encouraged by the Devil's Row boys.

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