How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Hollywood was his own idea, too. He used to pretend that it had all been the doing of a certain talent scout named Maurice Venice. But the scout had never made him a definite offer of a studio connection. He had approached him, but the results of the screen tests had not been good. After the test Wilhelm took the initiative and pressed Maurice Venice until he got him to say, "Well, I suppose you might make it out there." On the strength of this Wilhelm had left college and had gone to California. (1.48)
Wilhelm's decision to quit college and head to Hollywood—even against Maurice Venice's advice—is the first in a long line of impulsive decisions that he makes throughout his life. Wilhelm likes to dream big, and act rashly: his dreams and hopes aren't often accompanied by practical plans.
Quote #2
I didn't seem even to realize that there was a depression. How could I have been such a jerk as not to prepare for anything and just go on luck and inspiration? (1.52)
Wilhelm can see clearly that his decision to quit college and move to Los Angeles was a bad one. Unfortunately for him, that hasn't stopped him from making yet another disastrous choice, as he's now risked everything in an equally impulsive bid to get rich quick by buying and selling lard stocks, of all things.
Quote #3
Still, for three months Wilhelm delayed his trip to California. He wanted to start out with the blessings of his family, but they were never given. He quarreled with his parents and his sister. And then, when he was best aware of the risks and knew a hundred reasons against going and had made himself sick with fear, he left home. This was typical of Wilhelm. After much thought and hesitation and debate he invariably took the course he had rejected innumerable times. (1.99)
If Wilhelm's definitive character trait is that he always makes the wrong decision after deciding that it's a bad idea, what's the deeper issue here? Why does he do it? Is it just that he's an incorrigible dreamer and a risk-taker at heart?
Quote #4
Injustice made him angry, made him beg. But he wanted an understanding with his father, and he tried to capitulate to him. He said, "You can't compare Mother and Margaret, and neither can you and I be compared, because you, Dad, were a success. And a success—is a success. I never made a success." (3.66)
What does Wilhelm mean when he says that he never made a success? Is he speaking of fame? Fortune? Earning the respect of his peers?
Quote #5
The doctor's old face lost all of its composure and became hard and angry. His small breast rose sharply under the red and black shirt and he said, "Yes. Because of hard work. I was not self-indulgent, not lazy. My old man sold dry goods in Williamsburg. We were nothing, do you understand? I knew I couldn't afford to waste my chances." (3.67)
Dr. Adler respects his father for doing what it took to get by, and he makes good on his father's sacrifices by establishing a successful career. In his eyes, Wilhelm has failed to continue making something of the family name.
Quote #6
He believed that he must, that he could and would recover the good things, the happy things, the easy tranquil things of life. He had made mistakes, but he could overlook these. He had been a fool, but that could be forgiven. The time wasted—must be relinquished. What else could one do about it? Things were too complex, but they might be reduced to simplicity again. Recovery was possible. First he had to get out of the city. No, first he had to pull out his money. . . . (5.2)
Down to the last moment, Wilhelm fantasizes about starting over again. He's made it too hard to fix things: the best he can do is hope to wipe the slate clean.
Quote #7
Wilhelm's recollection went on. Margaret nursed him. They had had two rooms of furniture, which was later seized. She sat on the bed and read to him. He made her read for days, and she read stories, poetry, everything in the house. (5.74)
This passage offers us a rare glimpse into the early years of Wilhelm's marriage to Margaret, giving us a romantic portrait of a young couple struggling to make ends meet as they try to make a life for themselves. Unfortunately for us, we already know how this ends.
Quote #8
"This has been one of those days, Margaret. May I never live to go through another like it. I mean that with all my heart. So I'm not going to try to do any thinking today. Tomorrow I'm going to go see some guys. One is a sales manager. The other is in television. But not to act," he hastily added. "On the business end." (7.59)
This is the first we hear of Wilhelm's plans to see a sales manager and a man in television. Is he really planning to seek work with these guys tomorrow, or are these simply two more pipe dreams in a long, long line?
Quote #9
"Well," she said, measured and unbending, remorselessly unbending, "you still think like a youngster. But you can't do that any more. Every other day you want to make a new start. But in eighteen years you'll be eligible for retirement. Nobody wants to hire a new man of your age." (7.62)
Is Margaret right to criticize Wilhelm for always wanting to make a new start? Is he the kind of man who simply cuts and runs when the going gets tough? Has he ever stuck anything out?
Quote #10
"I'll get a divorce if it's the last thing I do," he swore. "As for Dad—As for Dad—I'll have to sell the car for junk and pay the hotel. I'll have to go on my knees to Olive and say, 'Stand by me a while. Don't let her win. Olive!'" And he thought, I'll try to start again with Olive. In fact, I must. Olive loves me. Olive— (7.90)
Here comes that theme again: Wilhelm's desire to make a new start. What's your take, Shmoopers? Is this the one consistent dream that Wilhelm holds onto throughout his life?