The Other Half of New York

Bio-Blurb: Dana Roiban has a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Romanian Literature (Petru Maior University, Targu-Mureș) and is currently a teacher. Among her interests can be mentioned American, English and Romanian literature. One of her main goal is to improve the teaching of language and literature among students belonging to national minorities.

Abstract: Since the earliest times, a large number of writers, scientists and journalists were interested in approaching the multitude of the anthropological aspects that New York can offer through its cultural diversity. The wonderful city holds a special place in America’s national mythology as both the gateway to the USA and as a diverse, vibrant cultural center distinct from the rest of the nation. Most of the times the image of New York is associated with the fulfillment of the American Dream which creates in the mind of every immigrant an idyllic place in which freedom, prosperity and wealth include the opportunity for success. This image of the city was highly publicized and New York has always been a place that has captured the imagination of some of the greatest writers like: Henry James, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman and many others. But the portrayal of the city in literature, movie and arts wasn’t always an idyllic one. Some artists have chosen to present another face of the city, its dark side that can be mostly found in suburbs and slums. Stephen Crane, Jacob Riis and James Grey are among these artists.

Key words: anthropology, immigrant, American Dream.

Stephen Crane is recognized by modern critics as one of the most innovative writers of his generation due to his notable works. Maggie: A Girl of the Streets is Stephen Crane's first novel that was initially rejected by numerous publishers because the subject clashed with the common, sentimental tales of that time and so was considered inappropriate for publication. This very short novel set in a poor district of New York at the end of the nineteenth century tells the story of a young Irish girl. With little to no education, barely any money, and her only peers of the neighborhood fighting at all times, this girl's life is full of hardships. During her childhood, Maggie's younger brother Jimmie was always getting into fights with the neighborhood kids. Her mother was always drinking and her father barely cared for his family at all. Maggie's father died while she was still young. When Maggie gets a bit older she succumbs to the charms of her brother's friend, Pete, who seems to promise a little more fun and excitement that she has ever known. But, shortly after she leaves home with Pete, he leaves her. When Maggie realizes she is not welcome back home, she is forced to turn to prostitution. This ultimately leads to her tragic fate.