The Cricket In Times Square

Selden expands on the theme of Good Friends: The Greatest Fortune as Chester acclimates to New York with the help of Tucker and Harry, while Mario makes a new friend in Sai Fong—though many will find Selden’s dated characterization of the Chinese gentleman problematically stereotypical. In these chapters, Selden strengthens the theme of The Power of Music by building on the idea that music affects mood and transcends differences. In addition, the author examines different characters’ attitudes toward wealth and success and foreshadows good luck to come for Mario and the Bellini family.

Chester, “a curious cricket” (43), shows both courage and flexibility as he leans into his new life in New York City, embracing new foods like liverwurst and learning from new experiences, like falling into a water glass. New York is the antithesis of Chester’s country home, and Selden highlights the differences between city and country life. While Chester dreams of his country home, he has a positive attitude toward his new life and is determined to see New York City and make the most of his time there. Chester’s positivity is empowered by the support of his friends. Tucker and Harry prove loyal friends even in times of difficulty. They joke together, share food, and help each other. Harry promises to care for Tucker in his old age. Tucker gives up much of his life savings to help Chester and the Bellini family. Likewise, Mario is a supportive friend to Chester, helping him navigate his new life. Mario teaches Chester to be cautious when the subway train abruptly starts and stops, and he lets the cricket see the world from the matchbox. Mario sacrifices his own pleasures to work extra time and get Chester released from Mama’s prison sentence, knowing intuitively that Chester needs his freedom. Tucker, Harry, and Mario are a supportive network of friends. Chester returns their friendship and shows his integrity by taking responsibility for ruining the $2 bill.

Mario gains another new friend in Sai Fong. The two individuals from very different cultures bond over their shared affection for Chester. Sai Fong and Mario’s friendship reflects Selden’s message that friendship cuts across cultural differences and boundaries. Selden’s depiction of Sai Fong, however, plays into offensive racial stereotypes of Chinese immigrants. Sai Fong speaks in a stereotypical Chinese accent. He transposes “r” and “l” sounds (calling Chester a “clicket,” for example), uses incorrect subject-verb agreements, and drops articles in his speech. His dragon-embroidered vest, traditional clay pipe, and cluttered shop reflect the Western imagination of the Chinese experience rather than its reality. The sign on Sai Fong’s novelty shop reveals that he “also do hand laundry” (44). While this advertisement perpetuates another negative stereotype, it refers to a historically important facet of the history of Chinese immigrants in the US. From the late 1800s through the 1970s, thousands of Chinese immigrants worked in the hand laundry industry, which was historically one of the few professions not restricted to Chinese people by racial prejudices. From 1882 until 1943, Chinese immigration to the US was prohibited by the Chinese Exclusion Act and subsequent laws. Chinese immigrants already in the US were socially isolated and had difficulty finding jobs and becoming citizens. Laundry was a job that no one else wanted to do, so Chinese immigrants seized the unpleasant task and capitalized on it. Although the story’s reference to hand laundry is a negative ethnic stereotype, the hand laundry industry reflects Chinese resilience and triumph over prejudice—and despite Sai Fong’s objectionable characterization, Selden’s message is one of inclusion and friendship. Chester bridges societal gaps and highlights New York City’s cultural diversity. Because of Chester, Mario, of Italian background, learns about and appreciates aspects of Sai Fong’s Chinese culture. Mickey, the red-haired restaurant counterman, likes Chester. Mr. Smedley, one of Papa’s more high-brow customers, though shy around insects, is charmed by Chester’s innate musical ability. Chester connects people from different cultures and social worlds.

By extension, music also bridges cultural differences. Although the story implies that Papa and Mr. Smedley are from different social classes, they bond over their mutual interest in music. Chester’s song affects people differently but affects all emotionally. Sai Fong hears personal memories of China. Mr. Smedley hears the inherent perfection of nature, uncomplicated and unimprovable by human influence, which prompts him to compare Chester to Orpheus.

Selden compares Tucker and Mama Bellini’s economic philosophies, revealing a materialistic side to Tucker: He admires the ornate cricket cage, and gleefully sleeps on the paper bills. Although Harry fondly calls Tucker “Old Money Bags Mouse” and a “skinflint” for hoarding his life savings, Tucker empathizes with the Bellinis’ financial struggles and with his friend Chester’s predicament, so he gives up his money to help both. Mama Bellini, like Tucker, is protective of the family’s financial health and watches their financial situation like a hawk. She sees Chester as a “money eater” who hurts the family. She, like Tucker, doesn’t care much about where money comes from, as long as she has it.

In addition, Selden lays the foundation for a change of fortune for the hardworking Bellini family. Mr. Smedley predicts “great things” for Chester—a prophecy that Mario later recalls. Papa Bellini imagines that the cricket could be “famous.” The fortune cookie foretells good luck, and Sai Fong urges Mario to be open for happiness. These passages foreshadow Chester’s eventual musical stardom. As the story progresses, it shows that good fortune can have different interpretations.