Post 1

"Maybe that was why--maybe--He was a Chinaman, the fellow had said. And a nigger and a wop and a  Jew. And if he believed it hard enough maybe it was so. Every person and everything he said he was....Biff turned wearily and covered his eyes with his hands. And he was nobody but--Bartholomew--old Biff with two fists and a quick tongue--Mister Brannon--by himself.."
       
           P. 33

     Biff was talking about Jake Blout in the beginning of that selection. I think Biff is jealous of Blout because he wants more from his life than just his bar and his wife. His life is too simple. But Jake has so much to his name, whether it is true or not. Every major character in this book wants something that they can't have, and for Biff Brannon it's a more adventurous life.