Jack London character is based on Hawaiian leper Kaluaikoolau, who in 1893 revolted and resisted capture from forces of the Provisional Government of Hawaii in the Kalalau Valley. An amateur boxer and avid boxing fan, London reported on the 1910 Johnson–Jeffries fight, in which the black boxer Jack Johnson vanquished Jim Jeffries, known as the "Great White Hope". In 1908, London had reported on an earlier fight of Johnson's, contrasting the black boxer's coolness and intellectual style, with the apelike appearance and fighting style of his Canadian opponent, Tommy Burns, 'what . . . [won] on Saturday was bigness, coolness, quickness, cleverness,
Hope Was Here students from the local high school form an organization to support G.T.'s campaign. This group includes Hope and the "Welcome Stairways" line cook Eddie Braverman. Because of Braverman's participation, he is attacked and beaten by a group of Millstone's supporters. While G.T. campaigns against Millstone, Addie tries to improve the diner to match her exacting standards. G.T. shows romantic interest in Addie, who responds positively but brusquely. Encouraged by G.T.'s success with Addie, Braverman decides to ask Hope out. Hope refuses at first, wary because Deena has always told her to never date cooks. However, after a test date, Hope