Abraham Cahan writing The Rise of David Levinsky in 1917 was no coincidence. As an Orthodox Jewish American immigrant, Cahan himself assimilated into American life after his arrival to New York in 1882. Although the story of David Levinsky was fictional, it always had a sense of realism to it. That realism allows readers to learn about the themes in American immigration, especially Jewish immigration, in the wave from 1880-1920. In this way, Cahan’s novel also related to many new and prospective immigrants the risks of the American dream, and the struggle to attain it.
David Levinsky can be a symbol for all immigrants. When finally reaching his goal to arrive in America, his journey has only just begun. He goes through many jobs, meets many new people, and struggles between his intellect and ambition. Although striving to become educated, he eventually strays from his original path towards the jungle of American business. Although he is very successful, he is also very lonely. By shifting his focus he becomes a new David. This David is lonely and sad. If he were to continue his original path that he dreamed of he would have finished his education and may have even been happier. This shift in the story was Cahan’s true message: David’s rise as the new successful American only left him in depression.
The message that Cahan puts forth in this novel can relate to many immigrants, maybe even himself, that have changed or lost their focus once coming to America. In America there are many opportunities and many different viewpoints on life that people accept. Coming from a highly reserved, religious background is a huge change when coming to a place that is highly secular. Through the character of David and the many characters he encounters, Cahan reveals the struggle of the true American dream.
