Requiem for a Dream: A Novel

Content Warning: This guide discusses explicit usage of illegal drugs, depictions of drug addiction, depictions of mental illness, depictions of violence (sexual, domestic, racial, and graphic), as well as stereotypes of racial and ethnic minorities. This guide references language from the text concerning race and addiction which may be considered offensive. This study guide quotes and obscures the author’s use of the n-word.

Harry Goldfarb is the main protagonist of Requiem for a Dream. Son of Sara and her deceased husband Seymour Goldfarb, Harry is a Jewish New Yorker in his early twenties. Harry and his best friend, Tyrone C. Love, live among the underbelly of the city, using and dealing heroin while dreaming of a better life. Harry has a strained relationship with his mother, frequently stealing her possessions—particularly her television set—to pawn for drugs; the local pawn broker has a small book that he uses solely for recording these incidents. Harry’s repeated stealing of her television is particularly hurtful to his mother considering her limited interests and passion for her favorite television shows. Deep down, Harry wants Sara to be happy, but he has difficulty expressing this desire. Harry connects with his friend Marion partway through the novel, and they start dating.