It’s also a story of lower-class or working-class
people in America. Work is the ethic of these
people, especially men.
When Ellis and Neckbone steal the motor, what
does Ellis’s father say to him?
He says that the motor is the owner’s life; he uses it
for a living. (Once again the theme of growing up to
be an adult is emphasized.)
Ellis and Neckbone come from working-class
families, they’re not rich.
While May Pearl comes from a rich family. Her dad
sells cars.