Generational Conflict

An old and almost overused theme in literature, author Wouk highlights the clash of generations as he depicts the ongoing conflicts between Marjorie and her parents, especially her mother. Stereotypical of Jewish mothers for decades, Rose Morgenstern has one goal for he daughter, that is, marriage to an appropriate Jewish boy, preferably a doctor or lawyer. Almost every young man who meets mother's expectations and approval, however, is ultimately rejected by Marjorie. She prefers the risky, somewhat morally bankrupt theatre crowd, specifically Noel Airman, the immature, self-centered, ne'er do well son of a prominent Jewish judge. Both mother and father would have Marjorie settle into some acceptable form of employment while she waits for the "correct" husband, but Marjorie, a forerunner of women's liberation, wants only a career in the theatre. The more Rose attempts to control Marjorie's life and future, in both direct and surreptitious ways...