Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory
In Augie's world, frailty is no excuse for failure. His one-time boss and friend Einhorn is crippled with paralysis and needs someone to help him with menial daily tasks like getting dressed. Nevertheless, Einhorn fancies himself a capable businessman and an accomplished lover. When disaster strikes, Einhorn says:
I was a cripple before and am now. Prosperity didn't make me walk, and if anybody knew what a person is liable to have happen to him, it's William Einhorn. You can believe that.
Grandma Lausch has her frailty as well—hers from old age—but she fights standing up. Upon hearing the news of her passing, Augie recalls that "for all her frailty, she was a hard fighter" (10.10).
Augie learns from both of these people that he can't make excuses for himself because of his limitations. If he does wrong, he should admit it. If he does poorly, he should take the blame. His weaknesses should be his strengths. And his strengths…well, they should also be his strengths.