Part one of term paper
Are people born bad? If they are, can they gradually become good? These questions are often broached in Bernard Malamud’s novel, The Assistant. Malamud questions human nature and reveals that humans are capable of change if they only want it bad enough. In this novel, Frank Alpine is the quintessential example of how bad can metamorphose i ...

Part two of term paper
... and long-black overcoat contributed to his shabby appearance. Even Sam Pearl thought that Frank looked “half in his grave.” (p33) Frank also has a fascination with St. Francis of Assisi. Frank represents the Saint throughout the novel. Frank is mainly reverenced by the fact that St. Francis was “born good”, which Frank refers to as a talent. Frank Alpine and Morris Bober finally get acquainted and have a revealing conversation. In this conversation, Frank discloses some personal informa ...