The Pushcart Peddlers: Page 2 Summary

The second page of The Pushcart Peddlers unterrichtsmaterial delves deeper into the characters' perspectives on the American Dream and provides additional plot developments. It explores how each character's view of America shapes their understanding and pursuit of success.

Cornelius sees America as a land where all his wishes will come true effortlessly. This perspective contrasts with the traditional view of the American Dream, which emphasizes hard work as the key to success.

Highlight: Cornelius's belief that everything will "fall into his lap" in America represents a misinterpretation of the American Dream.

Shimmel, despite his belief in the American Dream, initially doubts whether everyone can achieve it. His hesitation to start a business and reliance on Cornelius's persuasion demonstrate this uncertainty.

Maggie embodies a more traditional view of the American Dream. Her determination to become an actress and her dedication to practicing illustrate the belief that hard work leads to success.

Vocabulary: The Catskill Mountains, mentioned in a quote, are a mountain range in New York State often associated with resort destinations.

The text provides several quotes that illustrate different aspects of the American Dream:

1. "Things happen fast in this country" suggests that America offers quicker paths to success than other nations.
2. "Ohhh, there are plenty of good profitable businesses you can get into" emphasizes America as a land of diverse opportunities.
3. "What did I know about going into business when I got off the boat? Nothing. [...] But did I let this stop me?" highlights the idea that anyone, regardless of background, can succeed in America.
4. "I heard of a man [...] who arrived here in the morning and owned two factories, three warehouses and a hotel in the Catskill Mountains before he sat down to lunch" exaggerates the speed at which success can be achieved in America, reflecting the optimistic (and sometimes unrealistic) expectations of immigrants.

Quote: "In America the impossible can get possible for everybody."

This final quote encapsulates the essence of the American Dream as portrayed in "The Pushcart Peddlers" - a land where even the most improbable success stories can become reality.

The Pushcart Peddlers: Page 1 Summary

The first page of The Pushcart Peddlers PDF introduces the setting, characters, and initial plot developments of this compelling drama. Set in New York City between the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the play revolves around three distinct characters, each representing different facets of the immigrant experience and the American Dream.

Highlight: The play is set in New York City, a melting pot of cultures and a symbol of opportunity for immigrants during this period.

The main characters are:

1. Cornelius J. Hollingsworth II: A Jewish immigrant from Russia who sells bananas from a pushcart. He is portrayed as arrogant, two-faced, and opportunistic, yet capable of offering help to others.

2. Shimmel Shitzman: Another Russian immigrant who is characterized as poor, naive, and easily manipulated. He embodies the hopeful immigrant, believing wholeheartedly in the American Dream.

3. Maggie Cutwell: A complex character who appears innocent but is described as aggressive, mistrustful, and dishonest. She represents the street-smart aspect of city life.

Definition: The American Dream is the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work in the United States.

The plot unfolds as Shimmel meets Cornelius, who introduces him to the banana-selling business. Cornelius advises Shimmel to change his name to sound more English and to start his own business. Following this advice, Shimmel invests all his money in a pushcart.

Example: The advice to change one's name illustrates the pressure on immigrants to assimilate into American culture.

As the story progresses, Cornelius and Shimmel merge their businesses, with Cornelius claiming a larger share due to his supposed experience. They then encounter Maggie, a flower seller with aspirations of becoming an actress. Shimmel, impressed by Maggie's beauty, attempts to flirt with her and decides to become a theatrical producer to help fulfill her dream.

Quote: "Things happen fast in this country" (p. 9, l. 18)

This quote encapsulates the rapid pace of change and opportunity that immigrants associated with America during this period.