The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz
Ambition and Manipulation in Mordecai Richler’s Classic Novel
Nov 27, 2008
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz is probably Mordecai Richler’s most well known novel and Duddy Kravitz is one of the most intriguing of his characters. Although Duddy is not perfect, he has more heart, soul and desire than he knows what to do with.
Readers cannot help but like this fast talking rogue simpleton from the wrong side of Montreal. However, as the novel progresses, Duddy follows the wrong path in search of his dream- to own a piece of land- and eventually it all comes crashing down around him.
The Ambitious Nature of Duddy Kravitz
Duddy grows up in a poor part of Montreal with his taxi driving father who doubles as a pimp to make ends meet. He spends his days listening to epic stories about Jerry Dingleman, “The Boy Wonder”, and immediately decides he must make something of himself. Of course, ‘The Boy Wonder’ is a crook but Duddy only sees his success and aspires to be like him. From the moment he hears his grandfather say “A man without land is nobody,” he makes it his goal to own a piece of land.
Unfortunately, Duddy’s methods to achieve this dream are less than desirable. He becomes relentless, using tricks and schemes at the expense of others to get ahead. Even as a young child, he sells stolen hockey sticks to make money. As the novel progresses, Duddy turns from a rogue character to a ‘scheming little bastard’. His dream of owning lands leads him down a path of ruthlessness and corruption.
The Manipulation of Duddy Kravitz
There are three relationships that demonstrate Duddy’s manipulative and deceitful nature. The first arises when Duddy establishes Dudley Kane Enterprises and is hired by the Cohens to create a bar-mitzvah film. Duddy knows the film is absolutely terrible as he “was sick to his stomach” after viewing the awful production. However, he brushes this aside and lies to the Cohens, bragging about the potential of his creation and thus tricking them into purchasing the film.
Duddy’s issues with love and relationships are evident from the start. However, when Yvette, his “girl Friday” comes into his life, Duddy’s exploitation and lack of compassion really become apparent. He treats Yvette both as a tool used to purchase the land at a fair price and as a sexual toy whenever the mood strikes. In the end, Duddy’s selfishness results in Yvette leaving, with both a broken heart and a broken spirit.
However, the most appalling example of Duddy’s manipulative nature is revealed in his friendship with physically disabled Virgil. Duddy uses Virgil’s submissiveness and naive loyalty against him, hiring him as a driver- even though he is epileptic- just so he does not have to pay him back.
The Completion of Duddy’s “Apprenticeship”
Duddy takes the final step into despicable contempt when he is faced with Virgil’s epileptic fit. His guilt and shame force him to run away rather than face the truth. This tragic event should act as a wake-up call for Duddy. Instead, Duddy performs the most dishonest and appalling act in the novel by forging Virgil’s signature so he can purchase the rest of his land.
Duddy’s apprenticeship is complete; he has become a successful land owner. Although he achieves his dream in the end, he most certainly fails his apprenticeship. He loses the respect of all those around him, including the readers.
He may own land, but, in the mind of this critic, Duddy Kravitz ends up with nothing.
Works Consulted:
Richler, Mordecai. The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. New York: Penguin Books LTD, 1996.
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