53 pages 1 hour read

Budd Schulberg

What Makes Sammy Run?

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1941

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Essay Topics

1.

Sammy and Al are presented as foils to one another. How are their different life philosophies portrayed in the novel?

2.

The idea of genius is repeatedly brought up throughout the novel, often contrasting creative genius with business genius. Is Sammy’s impressive ability to succeed a kind of “genius”?

3.

Sammy appears to view Al as a friend, while Al sees Sammy as an object of fascination. How are the ways these two characters view their relationship reflected by their actions?