Polly Adler became the most infamous madam of her time. What life circumstances led her to that position? What qualities led her to thrive in that role? How does her profession reflect the limitations imposed on immigrant women in the early twentieth century, as well as the attitudes about them?
Polly was 12 - 12! - when she was sent to America by her parents who expected her to earn enough money to care for herself and send money to them. Not many people could do that and it makes we wonder what Polly’s life was like both before she arrived in the US and shortly thereafter, before the novel takes place. What spurred the love and maybe guilt that drove her?
While prostitution has always been a way for women to make money, Polly’s drive for success tipped her out of yet on top of “the life.” Her status as an immigrant undoubtedly led her to that role, but I imagine her age and lack of education also contributed.
Her choice of profession seemed dictated almost entirely by life circumstances. Her ability to thrive in that role reflects her ability to read a room and read people. She was incredibly adept at dealing with everyone from the insignificant to the famous, and she clearly understood that the job involved also having to deal with physical and emotional abuse as well.
I agree Polly had limited options for a career at the time. Her tenacity allowed her to become infamous as a Madam. Deep down, she was always putting others ahead of herself.
Polly had few options available to her, as discussed in response to other questions. She was 12 years old when she arrived, could not speak English, had no education, and only a factory job was available to her. Child labor in those days was a disgraceful, dangerous reality. And then she was raped, pregnant, and homeless. She was resilient, strong, resourceful, and determned to survive when so many others did not. Her story is not unique, although she became the most infamous of all the women who employed the same methods. She managed to elevate herself and her house through innate business acumen, careful management, and being smart enough to observe, learn from others, and implement successful methods.