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Literary
February 7, 1926
The Daily Worker
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois
What is this article about?
Sam, a dedicated factory worker struggling with a large family and high living costs, repeatedly hesitates to ask his boss for a raise. On payday, instead of granting his request, the boss lays him off, dashing his hopes.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
SAM'S HOPES SHATTERED
By A. ROSENFELD,
New York Worker Correspondent.
For a long time Sam had been thinking of asking the boss for a raise. "Why shouldn't I," he would say to himself: "It is almost impossible to live on the salary I am getting. The family is large, and the cost of living high, and here is winter coming." A dollar or two added to the weekly salary would mean much to him but Sam couldn't choose an opportune time for the occasion he was planning.
He did not consider it proper to suddenly ask the boss for a raise. He thought to converse with the boss about such matters it is necessary that he choose an opportune moment, when the boss is in a good humor.
Many a time it seemed to Sam the opportune moment had arrived. He sees the boss walking leisurely in the shop, beaming with pleasure, listening to the sounds of the machines, as if it were the sweetest music. He sees the boss happily looking at the workers as they are concentrated all their energies upon their work, fearing to turn their heads away. Sam would think at such a moment, this is the time to realize his hopes. but as soon as he made his first motion to advance towards the boss, he met his cold glance, which struck him with fear and left him motionless. When he recovered, he would murmur to himself, "I will try another time."
Weeks and months passed until Sam getting a good bawling out from his wife for the meager pay envelope he always brings her, resolved that, let the worst happen, he would ask for his raise that week. on Friday, when the boss hands out the pay envelopes. He will convince him that he is entitled to a raise. Hasn't he been with the firm for such a long time?
Friday came. Here is the boss coming along. Sam starts to prepare his talk but before he opened his mouth, his envelope was handed to him with a remark made by the boss, who quickly disappeared. Sam remained motionless, trying to recall what the boss had said: "Laid off" was ringing in his ears and looking at the pay envelope he read, "Your services are no longer required."
"Oh, hell," Sam murmured quietly gathering his working clothes, "even to think of a raise is not allowed."
By A. ROSENFELD,
New York Worker Correspondent.
For a long time Sam had been thinking of asking the boss for a raise. "Why shouldn't I," he would say to himself: "It is almost impossible to live on the salary I am getting. The family is large, and the cost of living high, and here is winter coming." A dollar or two added to the weekly salary would mean much to him but Sam couldn't choose an opportune time for the occasion he was planning.
He did not consider it proper to suddenly ask the boss for a raise. He thought to converse with the boss about such matters it is necessary that he choose an opportune moment, when the boss is in a good humor.
Many a time it seemed to Sam the opportune moment had arrived. He sees the boss walking leisurely in the shop, beaming with pleasure, listening to the sounds of the machines, as if it were the sweetest music. He sees the boss happily looking at the workers as they are concentrated all their energies upon their work, fearing to turn their heads away. Sam would think at such a moment, this is the time to realize his hopes. but as soon as he made his first motion to advance towards the boss, he met his cold glance, which struck him with fear and left him motionless. When he recovered, he would murmur to himself, "I will try another time."
Weeks and months passed until Sam getting a good bawling out from his wife for the meager pay envelope he always brings her, resolved that, let the worst happen, he would ask for his raise that week. on Friday, when the boss hands out the pay envelopes. He will convince him that he is entitled to a raise. Hasn't he been with the firm for such a long time?
Friday came. Here is the boss coming along. Sam starts to prepare his talk but before he opened his mouth, his envelope was handed to him with a remark made by the boss, who quickly disappeared. Sam remained motionless, trying to recall what the boss had said: "Laid off" was ringing in his ears and looking at the pay envelope he read, "Your services are no longer required."
"Oh, hell," Sam murmured quietly gathering his working clothes, "even to think of a raise is not allowed."
What sub-type of article is it?
Prose Fiction
What themes does it cover?
Political
Social Manners
Taxation Oppression
What keywords are associated?
Worker
Raise
Layoff
Boss
Economic Hardship
Family
Factory
What entities or persons were involved?
By A. Rosenfeld, New York Worker Correspondent.
Literary Details
Title
Sam's Hopes Shattered
Author
By A. Rosenfeld, New York Worker Correspondent.
Key Lines
"Why Shouldn't I," He Would Say To Himself: "It Is Almost Impossible To Live On The Salary I Am Getting. The Family Is Large, And The Cost Of Living High, And Here Is Winter Coming."
"Laid Off" Was Ringing In His Ears And Looking At The Pay Envelope He Read, "Your Services Are No Longer Required."
"Oh, Hell," Sam Murmured Quietly Gathering His Working Clothes, "Even To Think Of A Raise Is Not Allowed."