Study Guide For Nicholas Pileggi Wiseguy: Unlocking the Secrets of Organized Crime

Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy is a gripping non-fiction account of the inner workings of organized crime in New York City during the 1950s and 1960s. The book, which later became the basis for Martin Scorsese's acclaimed film Goodfellas, provides an up-close and personal look at the lives of three gangsters: Henry Hill, Jimmy Conway, and Paulie Cicero.

This study guide is designed to help you get the most out of your reading of Wiseguy. It includes:

• A summary of the book
• A character guide
• A timeline of events
• A glossary of terms
• Discussion questions

Wiseguy begins with Henry Hill's decision to become an informant for the FBI. Hill's testimony helps to bring down the Lucchese crime family, and he is placed in the witness protection program.

Study Guide for Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy (Course Hero Study Guides)

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The book then flashes back to Hill's early days in the mob. He starts out as a small-time crook, but he quickly rises through the ranks. He becomes a close associate of Jimmy Conway, a high-ranking member of the Lucchese family.

Hill and Conway are involved in a number of criminal activities, including robbery, extortion, and murder. They also become involved in the Lufthansa heist, one of the largest cash robberies in American history.

The heist goes wrong, and Hill and Conway are forced to go on the run. They are eventually arrested and sent to prison.

Hill's decision to become an informant is a complex one. He is motivated by a number of factors, including fear for his life and a desire to protect his family.

• Henry Hill: A small-time crook who rises through the ranks of the Lucchese crime family. He becomes a close associate of Jimmy Conway and is involved in a number of criminal activities, including robbery, extortion, and murder. He eventually becomes an informant for the FBI.
• Jimmy Conway: A high-ranking member of the Lucchese crime family. He is a ruthless and violent criminal who is involved in a number of high-profile crimes, including the Lufthansa heist.
• Paulie Cicero: A close associate of Jimmy Conway. He is a ruthless and violent criminal who is known for his temper.
• Karen Hill: Henry Hill's wife. She is a loyal and supportive wife, but she is also aware of the dangers of her husband's lifestyle.

• 1955: Henry Hill joins the Lucchese crime family.
• 1967: Hill becomes a close associate of Jimmy Conway.
• 1970: Hill and Conway are involved in the Lufthansa heist.
• 1972: Hill and Conway are arrested and sent to prison.
• 1980: Hill becomes an informant for the FBI.

• Capo: The boss of a crime family.
• Hit: A murder.
• Informant: A person who provides information to law enforcement about criminal activities.
• Made man: A full member of a crime family.
• Mob: A criminal organization.
• Racket: A criminal activity that is organized for profit.
• Witness protection program: A program that provides protection for witnesses who testify against criminals.

1. What are the motivations behind Henry Hill's decision to become an informant?
2. How does organized crime impact the lives of those who are involved in it?
3. What are the consequences of a life of crime?
4. How does Wiseguy compare to other works of non-fiction about organized crime?
5. What are the lessons that can be learned from Wiseguy?

Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy is a fascinating and informative look at the world of organized crime. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in true crime or mob history.

This study guide can help you get the most out of your reading of Wiseguy. It provides a summary of the book, a character guide, a timeline of events, a glossary of terms, and discussion questions.

I hope that you find this study guide helpful. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Study Guide for Nicholas Pileggi's Wiseguy (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Course Hero

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1239 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	43 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE