inks about is money. Sammy does not respect the Jewish tradition any more. He will not be the "bar mitzvah" his father wants him to be because, according to Sammy's understanding, he has already become one. He does not visit the "cheder" because there are more important things to do in life like making money, for example. It is difficult for "Papa" to understand his own son. "That's all you think about, money, money..."(222) says his father. Sammy, however, already knows that "It's money in the pocket – that's what makes you fell like a man (222).
             He does not even cry when his father passes away. His only reaction "Is it over" (223) speaks of something not human. "Sammy was thirteen, but he was a veteran; he had learned something that took the place of tears"(223). Sammy has formed a hard shell that protects him from all human feelings. His drive for money, control and annihilation of everything human is unsurpassable.
             Sammy has an enormous amount of confidence. There is nothing that can stop him. Even the first day, when he goes to work for Al Manheim as an office boy at The Record, he boastfully declares: "I'm the new office boy, but I ain't going to be an office boy long"(3). Al Manheim is the other major character in the book. Compared to Sammy, he is much more considerable of other people and tries to teach Sammy of respect and compassion to others. All his words and bits of advice, however, come to a brick wall because it is difficult to change the path Sammy has chosen for himself. Later, on the day of his birthday at The Algonquin, when he makes the big strike towards publicity, it is not
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