Individuals may choose their own paths in life, but cannot create them. In Mordecai Richler’s novel The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, the inherent and systematic adversity which those not privileged enough to be born at the top of social ladder in society must face to achieve success becomes clear. Duddy Kravitz, the central character in the story is determined to break out of a cycle of poverty and become a “somebody” to the world, but in doing so must sacrifice all morals and ethics along the way. Richler suggests that the capacity for one in Canada during the 1950’s to achieve success is defined not by a person’s talent or potential, but rather social standing and ethnicity. In reality, the “Canadian dream” message that Canadians love
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For even in Duddy’s pursuit of land, “the farmers are wary of a young jew, and jack up prices or even refuse to sell, while another french canadian would not be suspect” (99). With such discrimination present, even after surpassing poverty, the likes of Duddy Kravitz and Jerry Dingleman will never actually be able to amount to be successful relative to the greater society and only just exceed those of their own demographic. The consequence is that these few individuals are forced to become completely isolated, because their own communities reject them and the true higher class shall never accept them. Such a situation is responsible for sending these individuals down the path which molds people like Kravitz and Dingleman into immoral beings. Throughout Duddy’s childhood, the only role model he has who has previously broken the cycle of poverty at St. Urbain Street is the Boy Wonder. Thus, as Duddy tries to become successful, he subconsciously follows in Dingleman’s footsteps. As Dingleman treads on the toes of the weaker Duddy, he too begins to tread on the toes of the yet weaker Macpherson, Yvette and Virgil to survive, making him both an agent and victim to such values. Most importantly however, the characters Mr. Macpherson, Cuckoo Kaplan and Lennie all represent what would have become of Duddy had he not succumbed to the ethics of his harsh
For even in Duddy’s pursuit of land, “the farmers are wary of a young jew, and jack up prices or even refuse to sell, while another french canadian would not be suspect” (99). With such discrimination present, even after surpassing poverty, the likes of Duddy Kravitz and Jerry Dingleman will never actually be able to amount to be successful relative to the greater society and only just exceed those of their own demographic. The consequence is that these few individuals are forced to become completely isolated, because their own communities reject them and the true higher class shall never accept them. Such a situation is responsible for sending these individuals down the path which molds people like Kravitz and Dingleman into immoral beings. Throughout Duddy’s childhood, the only role model he has who has previously broken the cycle of poverty at St. Urbain Street is the Boy Wonder. Thus, as Duddy tries to become successful, he subconsciously follows in Dingleman’s footsteps. As Dingleman treads on the toes of the weaker Duddy, he too begins to tread on the toes of the yet weaker Macpherson, Yvette and Virgil to survive, making him both an agent and victim to such values. Most importantly however, the characters Mr. Macpherson, Cuckoo Kaplan and Lennie all represent what would have become of Duddy had he not succumbed to the ethics of his harsh