The American dream is supposed to be reachable for every person as long as they work hard enough for it. However, Davis shows that the reality of life for workers in the Iron Mills is anything but escapable, no matter how hard they work. The two main characters Hugh and Deb are people who have labored very hard in the iron mills for very little pay. The fact is that no matter how many hours of work are put in at the mills they will never receive enough pay to achieve financial success. Davis shows that it is not about working hard for money but having your money work for you that creates the path to success. At first, Hugh does not understand this fact which becomes evident when conversing with visitors at the Iron Mill, specifically Dr. May. He explains to Hugh what is needed for his escape from the mill, but he will not be the one to give it to him. "Why should one be raised when myriads are left? I have not the money, boy," "Money" He said it over slowly as one repeats the guessed answer to a riddle, doubtfully" (37-38). Hugh only knew that there was a difference between him and the visitors but now he knows that money is the difference. His only concern now, is how to get the money. One may argue that there are morally correct ways to obtain money, but what does a person do when all else has failed? Davis gives us the reality of nature comparing it to an animal being cornered; it will fight to its death to survive. This is just what happens when Hugh is confronted with stolen money. Either he takes the money that Deb stole from one of the visitors or he dies in the mills. Realistically, a person will take the money weather morally right or wrong. To turn down the money would be idealistic and true life doesn't follow these rules. Davis gives us a picture of someone trying to attain the American dream through immoral means. No matter what his decision was he could have never achieved this dream morally or immorally because of his societal placement, therefore he saw that the path to wealth was easier through immoral ways.