David Levinsky’s struggle to assimilate himself into the culture of a society holistically different from his Russian roots in Abraham Cahan’s, The Rise of David Levinsky, tells us emphatically that the maxim, “Money can’t buy you happiness” is true. David Levinsky comes from a very religious background studying as a Talmudist in Russia. In Russia, Levinsky encounters many hardships as he has to deal with the death of his parents and has inner conflicts which deprive him of his life. He aspires to become a very educated man and acquire great status as he works his way up, which is why he moves to America, which, in retrospect, exacerbate his problems.
Throughout the fictional biography, it may seem that Mr. Levinsky is very fortunate, meeting all of these willing people who help him through his journey on becoming one of the most influential and wealthiest men in the United States, but in the end, one question still remains for him, is he really happy? By the end of the story, David realizes that he is alone, he really has nobody to care for him, and that everyone that did have feelings for him, has detached pretty much all contact with him.
Perhaps the most surprising characteristic of David Levinsky would have to be his undying fervor to adapt himself into the culture of New York. It amazed me how so quickly David was able to change himself, and detach himself from his home, in order to adapt to his new home. On the ship ride to America, the thing that David carried, which was most dear to him, was the Talmud, which he read all the time. He came to America, hoping to continue his education, but all that seemed to be thrown out the window, as he was easily steered onto the path of business which would eventually engulf him, and lead to his depression.
In the end, David ends up an old, unmarried, rich man who really doesn’t have anything to live for. David is looked upon disdainfully by the public, and even his own people because of his supposed “rise”. By the end, was it only that he realizes that the pious and studious David which he once was, was his true identity.
