How Does Mr. Garoff Change In Ashes Of Roses

The historical book Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch describes the lives of immigrants in New York City of 1911. While the main characters are from Ireland, they meet people from other parts of the world. They are all looking to create a better life for America, but it’s not easy. Some of the characters come from backgrounds that are very strict and rigid. For example, Mr.Garoff is an old man who lives by the traditions of Russian culture and the Jewish religion. Because of his American experiences, Mr. Garoff changes from an old man set on his ways to one who is more accepting of others.
Initially, the character of Mr. Garoff is depicted as an immigrant from Ellis Island wearing a thread-bare suit He seems old-fashioned and stern as he answers

Garoff's character reveals more in-depth examples of his conservative and judgemental attitude. Mr. Garoff has to deal with a strong-willed, confident, and outspoken daughter. He doesn’t always argue with Gussie's decision. When Rose returns from the favored shop he takes Maureen for a walk to give the other two some privacy. Gussie tells Rose about the experiences with the union during the strike: “‘Don’t mention this to my father. It almost killed him to have his daughter in trouble with the law. This sort of thing just isn’t done by women in the old country.”’ (139) Mr. Garoff has specific beliefs about what women should and should not do, He judges Gussie for her choices and doesn’t want to hear her excuses. He just wants her to behave like a woman in Russia and don’t cause problems. Later he continues to reprimand Gussie for her behavior by saying: “‘Not enough that you disgrace yourself by working on shabbes, you go work for the union after that?’... ‘You do not correct your father,’ he bellowed. ‘You bring these shikas into our home and now you act like them.’” (189) Mr. Garoff displays his traditional values by scolding Gussie for not following the rules of their religion he feels affected by her falling away from the lifestyle in which he raised her, as she becomes Americanized. Mr. Garoff seems to resist change even though he’s constantly reminded by Gussie that living in New York City is different from

Garoff has grown from facing the crisis of the fire and losing his daughter. After the fire Maureen met Mr. Garoff They went to search for Rose and Gussie together Mr. Garoff trusted Maureen to help him in spite of his earlier prejudice, both girls supported him when he said he suspects that Gussie had perished in the fire, he allowed them to escort him in his search for his daughter. At the Morgue, Mr. Garoff is broken from seeing Gussie dead. “‘Gottenyu!” Mr. Garoff dropped his knees and gripped the foot of the coffin.’ My Gussela! My shaineh Gussela!’ he wailed. Two men came runnin’... They called Mr. Garoff by name…”(231) Mr. Garoff is overwhelmed by his grief at the loss of Gussie. His prejudicious attitude of being hard-headed and stern fades away. He needs other people to help him through this terrible ordeal. Mr. Garoff even had a different reaction to Rose: "Mr. Garoff looked up and took my hand in his. He tried to say somethin', but just shook his head, tears runnin' down his cheeks. I put my other hand over his... He closed his eyes and nodded, but I felt him squeeze my hand." (235) Previously, Mr. Garoff disapproved of Rose and Maureen. But their compassion during and after the fire caused him to see the girls differently. He shows his true emotions and connects with them in a new way. Mr. Garoff may be returning to Russia, but his attitude toward others has shifted in a positive