Self-Reinvention In Duddy's Journey

“A boy can be two, three, four potential people, but a man is only one. He murders the others.” This quotation from Duddy’s uncle Benjy encapsulates Duddy’s transformation from a St. Urbain Street boy into the ruthless hustler he eventually becomes. Throughout Duddy’s journey to selfhood, he inadvertently adopts characteristics from those he learns from and does business with. However, his greed or general disregard eventually sours most of these relationships – he then brings the philosophy of these generally malicious people into his relationships with Yvette and Virgil, metaphorically “murdering” them and with that, any chance of his own redemption.
While in Duddy’s own mind, his quest for land and wealth is an exercise in self-reinvention, this is far from the case. In reality, his relationships and ventures only solidify the person he’s been since his days at Fletcher’s Fields: a charming, ruthless and manipulative dreamer.
While Max surely played a very formative role in the development of Duddy’s persona: “He’s not gonna be a sawbones. Duddy’s a dope like me”, (23) it is Simcha’s statement: “A man without land is nothing”, (49) that sparks Duddy’s ambition. These words echo throughout the novel, seemingly guiding the boy’s every action. Simcha, who is likely a first-generation immigrant, sees land ownership as a necessary part in a boy’s journey into manhood. Being the only person that gave any respect or attention to Duddy on St. Urbain Street, it’s clear why Duddy takes his advice to heart. He is relentless in his pursuit of land, seeing it as an escape from the ghetto and a means to gain the respect of those that ridiculed or doubted him. Duddy chooses to completely forgo personal and emotional growth - traits Simcha evidently believes are more important than materialistic pursuits - to pursue wealth and power, believing that it is what will make him a