Rothman gave me another sharp look, and then he looked down at his desk. 'Lou' he said softly, 'do you know how many days a year an ironworker works? Do you know what his life expectancy is? Did you ever see an old ironworker? Did you ever stop to figure that there's all kinds of dying, but only one way of being dead?
In this excerpt, Rothman confronts Lou about the harsh realities faced by ironworkers, prompting him to reflect on their challenging lives. He emphasizes the physical demands of their work and the limited number of days they are able to earn a living, hinting at the toll it takes on their health and longevity.
Rothman's rhetorical questions highlight the grim aspects of the ironworker's existence, forcing Lou to consider the broader implications of their profession. The mention of "all kinds of dying" suggests that life is fraught with risks and suffering, yet the finality of death itself is singular. This exchange illustrates a poignant commentary on labor and mortality.
