Problems of Middle Class People in Clifford Odets’ Golden Boy

Abstract

Man lives in a world of physical and psychological turmoil. He finds it very difficult to lead a normal life. Either his economic conditions or his social background block his way to future success. This article dissects the problems and troubles faced by the middle class society from the play “Golden Boy” written by an American playwright Clifford Odets. The people in this play aspire for something attractive but they do not achieve success. This leads to frustration and disappointment.

Joe Bonaparte in “Golden Boy” is an immigrant who wants to break free of the spiritual anonymity and poverty arising from this status and to take revenge on those who excluded him (Odets, Six plays, 213). He realizes himself through his destruction. He is a strong character capable of achieving success. In so doing, Joe the middle class boy leaves his father’s home where he was encouraged to develop his talent of music. The old world of European values represented by his father is not enough for a boy growing up in America.