Budd Schulberg's *What Makes Sammy Run?* is a novel rich with ethical challenges and moral dilemmas, primarily centered around its protagonist, Sammy Glick. The story, set in the competitive world of 1930s Hollywood, explores the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve success. This article examines the moral quandaries faced by the characters, highlighting the novel's exploration of integrity, ambition, and the human cost of success.
Sammy Glick's Ethical Choices
Sammy
Glick, the novel's central character, is a young man driven by an insatiable desire for success. His journey from a copyboy to a top screenwriter is marked by a series of ethical compromises. Sammy's willingness to deceive and betray others is evident from the outset, as he rewrites a column to gain favor with his editor and later steals a screenplay from an aspiring writer, Julian Blumberg.
These actions raise questions about the nature of ambition and the moral boundaries individuals are willing to cross in pursuit of their goals. Sammy's behavior is a reflection of the novel's broader theme: the tension between personal ambition and ethical integrity. As Sammy climbs the ranks in Hollywood, his choices become increasingly questionable, leaving readers to ponder the true cost of his success.
The Struggle for Integrity
While Sammy's actions drive much of the novel's plot, other characters also grapple with moral dilemmas. Al Manheim, the narrator and Sammy's mentor, is both fascinated and repulsed by Sammy's behavior. Manheim's internal conflict is emblematic of the novel's exploration of integrity in a world that often rewards deceit.
Manheim's struggle is further complicated by his feelings for Kit Sargent, a talented screenwriter who falls for Sammy's charms. Despite his admiration for Kit, Manheim is unable to prevent her from becoming entangled in Sammy's web of manipulation. This dynamic highlights the novel's exploration of the personal and professional challenges faced by individuals in Hollywood, where ethical compromises are often necessary for survival.
The Human Cost of Success
The moral dilemmas faced by the characters in *What Makes Sammy Run?* underscore the human cost of ambition. Sammy's rise to power leaves a trail of broken relationships and shattered dreams, illustrating the emotional toll of his actions. Characters like Blumberg and Fineman, who are exploited and discarded by Sammy, serve as reminders of the collateral damage caused by unchecked ambition.
Ultimately, the novel's exploration of moral dilemmas serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing success over integrity. Schulberg's portrayal of the ethical challenges faced by his characters offers a nuanced reflection on the complexities of human ambition, leaving readers to consider the true price of achieving one's dreams.
