In Abraham Cahan’s novel, The Rise of David Levinsky, it may seem as a clear and evident truth that the main character, David Levinsky, has it all. He has more money than he could ever use, a venerable reputation, and a pleasant appearance that remains with him through age. It is important not to forget where he came from before we get all tied up in our jealous feelings toward him. His climb to the top of his trade truly is remarkable when considering the stark poverty he faced in his native Antomir and the times he spent scrapping cigarette buds off the street in New York to ward off hunger. Yet throughout the novel, and unfortunately by the end, Levinsky is never able to secure true happiness.
Levinsky’s pursuit to find happiness in his luxurious life is often thwarted by his seemingly constant feeling of loneliness. For most of his childhood, all he had was his mother who would do anything for his better good. When she died, he was essentially on his own. Of course there was Reb Sender, his pal Naphtali, and Matilda’s family, but no one to fill the void his mother left. Matilda seemed to fit the part, his love for her was strong, but she merely toyed with him and left him confused.
Matters only got worse in his first couple of years in America. He was new to everything and was definitely trying to make his way and to fit in. Torn between attending college and making money, he made little to no true acquaintances. The closest thing he got was with Max Margolis and his family. He felt welcomed and comfortable in their presence and later on in their home. Yet, his ambitions got the best of him and a familial relationship with the Margolis’ turned into overwhelming affection towards Dora that forced him out of their home.
Business was booming, yet as his close friend Meyer Nodelman noted with regards to his loneliness, Levinsky ‘had no one to live for’ Nodelman’s solution was simple – to get married and have a family even if his heart was not fully in it. Easier said than done. An opportunity presented itself with Fanny, but Levinsky was unable to get over the fact that he was not in love with her. So when Miss Tevkin caught his eye, he jumped ship in pursuit of a woman who had no feelings for him. In his last effort to win her over he befriended her father, to no avail. It was all too clear that he would never find a satisfactory partner that would fill the empty void in his life.
Levinsky had it all, or that was what it seemed like on the outside, but money proved to be fool’s company in his case.
