Character’s Exploration in The Apprenticeship of Duddy...

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 â€Å"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†¦show more content†¦iv.266-268) Likewise to Duddy, Lear is abusive towards his loved ones, more likely in verbal way. These words of Lear show that Lear could go to any extent if his needs are not satisfied or if his da ughters do not behave in a certain kind of way as they are supposed to. Although both Duddy and Lear’s main motive was the same, still they differ in behavior and has a different impact on others. Duddy is working towards the acquiring the land and starting his apprenticeship. Throughout the course of the novel Duddy has been seeing manipulating other, whether it was Yvette, Virgil, Mr. Cohen or others. Duddy can go to any extent to achieve his dream and continues making mistakes and never learns from it. Duddy uses Virgil and breaks his trust multiple number of times. Firstly, Duddy takes advantage of Virgil’s disabilities. Using the fact that Virgil is an epileptic and that it is very difficult for him to be hired, Duddy employs him as a driver and gets all his work done. Virgil thus, has an accident and becomes paralyzed for the rest of his life. Duddy never goes to even meet him, which shows how amoral he is. Not only this, but also Duddy forges Virgils cheque in o rder to buy the final parcel of land. In order to do this, Duddy took a quick look at Virgils bank balance, whistled, noted his account number and ripped out two cheques. He forged the signature by holding the cheque and a letter Virgil had signed up to the window and tracing slowly. (Richler 304)