How we cite our quotes: The book doesn't have numbered or titled chapters, but it is broken up into sections with sub-sections under these. We'll call this Chapter:Section:Paragraph.
Quote #1
In the past when bad times came he had somehow lived through them, and when good times returned, they more or less returned to him. But now, since the appearance of H. Schmitz across the street ten months ago, all times were bad. (1.2.83)
Among Morris's many woes, he now has competition for customers with another grocery store across the way.
Quote #2
Morris told himself to stay away but he could not help coming nightly to inspect, appraise, then guess the damage, in dollars, to himself. Each night as he looked, in his mind he destroyed what had been built, tried to make of it nothing, but the growth was too quick. (1.2.90)
He knew before the new store opened that it spelled trouble for his own business. Unfortunately for him, all he could do was watch and wait for the damage to be done. He just simply wasn't a natural salesperson. He couldn't counter it. He didn't know how, and he hasn't learned since.
Quote #3
A storekeeper could tell almost at once when times were getting better. People seemed less worried and irritable, less in competition for the little sunlight in the world. (3.3.1)
Storekeeper is a good name for Morris. He keeps his store, but he doesn't grow it or make it into something better. He's more or less just there to do the business, as if the business just naturally happened or not without his efforts.
Quote #4
One woman told him that Schmitz was not giving as good service as he once did; he was having trouble with his health and was thinking of selling the store. Let him sell, thought Morris. He thought, let him die, then severely struck his chest. (4.2.1)
Morris is not a violent man, so you can tell by this brief thought of his that the competition has hurt him deeply.
Quote #5
Her own life, she thought, was much like her father's, restricted by his store, his habits, hers. (5.1.4)
Helen also isn't in a position to compete, even against herself. She doesn't have the time or resources to be picky about when and where she attends school or whom she sees romantically.
Quote #6
If it would only stay like this—no Karp's paradise, but at least livable, not the terrible misery of only a few months ago—he would be satisfied. (5.5.2)
Is Morris doomed because he lacks a competitive spirit? Is he too satisfied with just getting by? Survey says…YES.
Quote #7
He resented him as a crass and stupid person who had fallen through luck into flowing prosperity. (6.5.1)
Morris doesn't think that Karp got to where he was through smarts or ingenuity. He had good luck. Morris had nothing but bad. That's all there is to it. Do you agree?
Quote #8
"It's a good store. He sold it Wednesday to two up-to-date Norwegian partners and they will open next week a modern fancy grocery and delicatessen. You will see where your business will go." (6.5.41)
The newest competitor is even worse than the first—a store run by partners who have the money to offer sales, stay open late, and give their store the extra overhead that can make a business shine.
Quote #9
Overwhelmed by pity for the poor refugee, at what he had in all probability lived through, a man who had sweated blood to save a few brutal dollars, Morris, unable to stand the planned dishonesty, came from behind the counter, and taking Podolsky by the coat lapels, told him earnestly that the store was rundown but that a boy with his health and strength, with modern methods and a little cash, could build it up in a reasonable time and make a decent living out of it. (8.4.5)
Morris won't cheat a man, even to save his own family from destitution. He won't compete with dishonesty or other reprehensible tactics. Usually. Push him hard enough, and he may break, as he did with the fire.
Quote #10
The supermarket was so crowded with people that to Morris, as he peered half-scared through the window, it looked like a department store. He felt a pang, thinking that part of this might now be his if he had taken care of what he had once owned. He would not envy Charlie Sobeloff his dishonest wealth, but when he thought of what he could do for Helen with a little money his regret depended that he had nothing. (8.5.15)
Maybe Morris could have been a contender, but he would have had to violate his deepest principles to do it. That he couldn't do.