Character’s Exploration in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and King Lear

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Character’s Exploration in The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz and King Lear

"The right way is not always the popular and easy way. Standing for right when it is unpopular is a true test of moral character." These lines from “Margaret Chase Smith” force us to think about what the actual test for morality is. Morality cannot be solely judged based on the deeds a person has committed, but when the person shows enough courage to stand against the mob and support the right. Both Richler and Shakespeare have stressed upon the character’s development throughout their storyline apparent in their works which helps readers create a strong bond with them until the end, although both Duddy Kravitz and King Lear fail to be moral. In King Lear and The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, both the characters King Lear and Duddy Kravitz share similar motives, but choose different methods of acting on them, and as a result, have different impacts on others.

The main motive of Duddy Kravitz was to attain monetary wealth, status and power. From the moment he hears his grandfather say, "A man without land is nobody” (Richler 48),

he is prepared to seek the land of his dreams, no matter what the cost would be. This ambition of his is very respectable, but unfortunately his methods are quite damnable. In his journey towards the attainment of his land, Duddy makes many irrational decisions by betraying the trust of his loved ones, Yvette and Virgil. Duddy uses Yvette as a tool and medium through which he can buy the land that he lusts for because he is a minor and he cannot legally own land. Duddy knew that “The farmers would be wary of a young Jew, they might jack up prices or even refuse to sell, but another French-Canadian would not be suspect."...

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...es in their life which brought to their downfall in one way or the other. Their motives starting to overpower them, and as a result, they forgot to actually abide by their morality which had a serious impact on their loved ones as well. Considering this, Lear is the one who somewhat realizes his mistake, whereas Duddy is shameless, ruthless individual who did not apologize for his offenses. Even for Lear, it was too late to mend his mistakes and thus, everything ends up drastically. Nevertheless, it makes us really consider how people are characterized by their abilities to learn from their mistakes, repent for their actions, and make a positive change. Therefore, it is essential to make right decisions from the very beginning.

Works Cited:

Lewis, Jone. "Margaret Chase Smith Quotes." About.com Women's History. N.p., 29 May 1995. Web. 05 May 2014

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