Aleasha - 'An All-Night Two-Cents Restaurant, in "The Bend"'.

‘An All-Night Two-Cent Restaurant, in “The Bend.”’ From Jacob Riis’ ‘How The Other Half Lives’ reveals the realities of the lifestyle that welcomes immigrants to New York, America. The ideals of the revolutionary aspects of being successful financially and having freedom of speech and views is shattered with the reality shown within the image above. It is clear from the title of the image, immigrants pay two cents for a seat or section of the restaurant which is overcrowded with other people who have emigrated from places across the Atlantic Ocean. The majority of immigrants used these restaurants for primarily sleeping and social interaction with other immigrants within New York rather than the stereotypical purpose of solely eating in the restaurant due to the generosity of other immigrants who have held residency in America for a longer period. The image suggests that not only is the restaurant overcrowded but it is also very dark within the restaurant room and light is only provided by candlelight due to electricity not being available. In addition to this, there was  very little room to place personal belongings or luggage from the people due to the layout of the restaurant, therefore, it is possible that due to the lack of comfort and space within the restaurant for the tenants it was difficult to maintain a lifestyle within the environment given but also favourable to both parties as the increase in the amount of space for extra immigrants increased income of the property owner.

Sources: Riis, J.A., 'An All-Night Two-Cents Restaurant, in "The Bend"', How The Other Half Lives.