A Summer's Reading – Moral Lessons
The author Bernard Malamud conveys a few messages in this story.
Firstly, education is a key component in people's success. Without proper education
people remain depressed, unemployed and poor. Secondly, respect, love and
appreciation are universal needs in people's life. People will do everything (even lie to
people they love) to get them.
Thirdly, lying, avoidance and making excuses are harmful (in general).Lies are
always revealed and weigh heavily on the soul and might backfire at you.
Finally, Malamud implies that sometimes a good goal justifies the means to achieve
it. Mr. Cattanzara spreads rumors and lies in the neighborhood hoping that George
would feel obligated (pressured) to start reading the books on his list and changing his
life.