. At the beginning of the story we learn that George, who is almost 20-years-old, left high school at the age of 16. He did this without much thought (on an impulse). From this we learn that George is impulsive and does not have the perseverance (התמדה) to adjust to his new country. His impulsive behavior perhaps comes from the frustration (תסכול) that immigrants feel.
The author states that George refused to go back to school and complete his education, even though he has two options (אפשרויות) to do so:
a. Summer school – In summer school George would need to go to school with children much younger than he is. He is embarrassed to do this. This would cause him much shame.
b. Night school – In night school George would need to go to school with adults his age who desire to complete their high school education. However, he is reluctant (מהסס) to do so because he left school because the teachers did not show him respect when he was in school.
As the story progresses we see that the issues of shame, respect and embarrassment are major issues that George faces. These are issues that new immigrants often face as they are forced to take jobs that are “below” their previous jobs and education in the “Old Country.”
2. Because George did not finish his education, he is unable to find a job. He had no money because his family is poor. His father works in a fish market and his sister (Sophie) in a café.
The fact that his father works in a fish market is symbolic (סמלי) of the way George feels about his dad – he “stinks” in the eyes of his son in terms of respect. George’s father is also a very quiet man. This may be because he is sad (his wife is dead – George’s mom) or because of depression (דיכאון) caused by his tough life as an immigrant living in poor conditions and having a “stinky” job.
Note: While his sister’s name is mentioned, the father is not deemed worthy enough to have his name mentioned. This lack of respect towards his father (as shown by George) is representative (ייצוגי) of the disrespect many immigrant parents get from their children. This is because the children see their parents as failures and embarrassments.
3. At the beginning of the story, George spends his days at home cleaning the house, reading magazines and listening to ballgames on the radio. He does not go outside because if he goes outside people will know that he isn’t doing anything with himself (embarrassment). When Sophie asks him if he reads, he lies. This is because, as we see later on, George wants Sophie’s respect. As per his father, he could care less (לא אכפת לו).
4. In the evenings, George goes on walks and thinks about the jobs that he has done. They are low-level jobs, and George left them rather quickly. Again we learn about the problems that George has with his self-esteem (דימוי עצמי) and his ability to persevere (להתמיד).
In the evening, George goes to a park outside the neighborhood. The park is a refuge (מקלט) that George uses to escape reality (לברוח מהמציאות). The park has two things that represent George’s American Dream:
a. A bench surrounded by a railing (מעקה) – The railing gives a feeling of privacy. One aspect (תכונה) of Georges’ American Dream is to have a private home. The “privacy” of the railing represents the private home that George desires.
b. Trees – George also wants to leave in a “green” neighborhood. This is in contrast (בניגוד) to the stony neighborhood he lives in. Green areas are associated in American society with the suburbs (פרברים) in which the educated and well-off (rich) population lives.
George’s decision to take his walks outside the neighborhood is motivated from two things. First, he does not want to see people in the neighborhood because he is embarrassed about the fact that he is not doing anything with himself.
Also, the park represents George’s escape from reality. It is his place to dream about what he wants in life, compared to what he has (American Dream compared to nothing).
5. One of the most important things for George is to have money in his pockets so that he can go out on dates. Because of the lack of money, George is not able to have a girlfriend and feels lonely, mostly on Saturday nights when most people go out with their buddies and girlfriends.
6. In the first part of the story, we also find out that George has no emotional attachment to the neighborhood or the people who live there. He does not feel respected by them. This is quite like the life of immigrants who find it difficult to become attached (מקושרים) with their new environment.