Both of these characters are young, and come from a lowly social
             status. Their values, as they grow older and become more successful,
             change from survival to living, and there is quite a difference. The
             universe of the poor on the streets in these two novels is violent and
             geared only to their surviving another day, as Crane notes in "Maggie," "In
             such a universe one can either internalize the laws determining natural and
             social focus or be their victim"(Crane 18). Both of these characters
             choose not to be the victim of their circumstances, but choose to better
             themselves however they can. Dick educates himself, because he sees
             education as one of the keys to success. Socially, the educated are valued
             much more highly than the uneducated, Dick understands this, and this
             passage illustrates his success. "Dick wrote, in a free, bold hand, the
             name Richard Hunter. He had very much improved his penmanship, as has
             already been mentioned, and now had no cause to be ashamed of it" (Alger
             214). Conversely, the social standards of the day did not apply to
             females. It is much more difficult for Maggie to get an education, and so,
             her job opportunities are limited. She turns to prostitution as a means of
             survival. Unfortunately, the very characteristics that make Dick
             successful make Maggie vulnerable, and she dies in the end, illustrating
             how social values can affect the lives of even those who are determined to
             better themselves. Maggie had money, but she did not have social status or
             education, and so, she could not become what society considered a success,
             she was a prostitute, and a failure.
             Conversely, Maggie's brother Jimmie does not attempt to break out of
             his low place in society. He conforms, and therefore he survives, but he
             gives up his individualism in the process. He conforms to what society
             expects of a child of the slums, and so, he actually makes their
             ...