When the play starts out, Joe is a talented musician whose dream is to play beautiful violin music. To this end, Joe's father, Mr. Bonaparte, secretly buys a very expensive violin for his son's birthday. Mr. Bonaparte's friend, Mr. Carp, plays the pessimist asking: "could a boy make a living playing this instrument in our competitive civilization today?" Mr. Bonaparte's response illustrates the idea that art and financial success do not always go hand in hand: "Don't expect for Joe to be a millionaire. He don't need it, to be millionaire." However, Joe has other plans. When he announces to his family that he is going to fight, he says it is for money: "I'm good—I went out to earn some money and I earned! I had a professional fight tonight—maybe.....
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