Description of Charlie with three parts of the story as evidence along with the page numbers.

"To be poor was to be cold. The two were the same"

Charlie Feehan (the narrator), Chapter 1

This quote brings into perception the plight of the poor with regards to winter coldness in the slums of Richmond. The quote relates to the reader their inability to purchase wood that could be heated to produce warmth, as such, Charlie directly relates poverty with coldness, drawing a parallel between them.

"...when good fortune came knocking at your door, you had little choice but to grab it by the scruff of the neck and keep your trap firmly shut."

Charlie Feehan (The Narrator), Chapter 2

After his father's death, Charlie is faced with the responsibility of taking care of his mother and sibling. Charlie uses this quote to bring to the reader's attention the difficulty that the poor had particularly with regard to finding a well paying, decent job. His lack of an alternative is implicit.

"I realized what it was I loved about working for Squizzy Taylor. It was more than just the money. It was the power I loved as well."

Charlie (the narrator), Chapter 8