Summary

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Morris Bober, a sixty-year-old Jewish immigrant, owns a modest grocery store in Brooklyn. His business is struggling, overshadowed by a newly opened, more upscale deli-grocery nearby. Each morning, he rises early, enduring the cold and wind of autumn to sell a simple roll to a grumpy Polish customer, marking the beginning of another day marred by hardship and dissatisfaction. Despite long hours, Morris barely earns enough to sustain himself, his wife Ida, and their daughter Helen, who dreams of attending college and leading a fulfilling life. Morris clings to a brief respite from his gloomy store each afternoon, retreating to his apartment upstairs for a much-needed nap.

Morris’s Integrity Amidst Adversity

Morris stands as a beacon of decency in a world that often lacks compassion. While others around him find success, his efforts yield little reward. He provides credit generously, even when repayment is unlikely, driven by a belief that serving others is essential. Morris’s unwavering commitment to helping those still frequenting his store reflects his refusal to overlook another’s needs. He embodies the principle that supporting one another is the least any individual can do for their fellow human beings.

A Violent Encounter

One evening, close to closing time, two robbers confront Morris. Skeptical that his daily earnings could be as meager as thirteen dollars, one assailant resorts to violence, striking Morris with a pistol. This incident deepens Morris's dissatisfaction with his life, prompting him to lament his years of unfulfilled dreams and the illusory promise of success in America. He experiences profound loneliness and sorrow, yearning for a better life for his wife and daughter while steadfastly holding onto his values.

Frank Alpine, the Drifter

Frank Alpine, a young Italian drifter, appears at Morris's store, revealing himself as one of the thieves. He admires the gentleness and virtue of Saint Francis and seeks to help Morris in small ways, eventually asking for a job as an assistant to learn the trade. When Morris discovers Frank living in the cellar, surviving on stolen milk and rolls, he reluctantly hires him. Ida harbors suspicions about Frank, given his Gentile background, but when Morris’s injury reopens, Frank takes over running the store, which brings in more business as neighborhood Gentiles feel more at ease.

Ida’s Distrust and Helen’s Dilemma

Ida’s doubts about Frank are reinforced by her fear of him seducing Helen. Her concerns prove valid as Frank spies on Helen and attempts to lure her to his room. Despite her reservations, Helen feels drawn to Frank but resists his advances, seeking a genuine and virtuous man to escape her past’s sorrows. Frank, in turn, resolves to become the man Helen desires.

A Test of Integrity

Determined to become more disciplined, Helen challenges Frank to do the same. In a moment of self-reflection, Frank returns stolen money to the register, feeling empowered by this act of honesty. Yet, temptation strikes again; he takes a dollar from the register to fund a cab ride for Helen. Morris discovers the theft and, despite Frank's pleas, expels him from the store.

A Night of Turmoil

Frank goes to the park intending to express his love for Helen. However, she arrives first and encounters Ward Minogue, the man who previously assaulted her father. Ward attempts to harm her, but Frank intervenes. Sadly, the night takes a dark turn as Frank himself violates Helen, leading her to denounce him.

Morris’s Despair and Frank’s Redemption

With Frank gone, the Bober family’s fortunes decline further. The increased trade was due to a competing grocer's illness, not Frank’s influence. Though the deli closes, a larger self-service store opens, threatening...

(This entire section contains 789 words.)

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Morris's livelihood. In despair, Morris "accidentally" leaves his gas heater unlit, leading to a hospital visit. Frank saves him, feeling indebted to Morris and resumes managing the store.

A Confession and a Loss

Upon Morris’s return, Frank admits to his role in the robbery. Morris reveals he already knew but cannot forgive Frank for betraying him after his act of kindness. He sends Frank away once more. Tragically, not long after, Morris dies from pneumonia following a snow-shoveling effort for his few remaining customers. At the funeral, Frank awkwardly falls into Morris’s grave, symbolizing his rebirth.

A New Beginning

Frank returns to the store, claiming he has changed. He juggles work at an all-night eatery with his duties at the grocery, ensuring he’s there each morning for the Polish woman’s roll. Declaring his love for Helen, he offers to pay for her college education. Helen, sensing his transformation, accepts and expresses gratitude for his support of her family. In April, Frank undergoes circumcision, embracing his newfound identity. "After Passover he became a Jew."

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