Breadgivers paper

    Breadgivers is a semi-autobiographical novel that recounts the early life of Sara Smolinsky. Sara was the youngest of four daughters in a family of Russian Jewish immigrants living in New York City at the turn of the 20th century. At the heart of the novel is the story of Sara's rejection of the rigid and restrictive gender roles imposed on European Jewish women. At the same time, Sara valued some parts of her traditional culture. How did America change immigrants like Sara? What parts of her parents' culture did she reject and which did she keep? How did she, in her words, 'become a person'? Objectives In this assignment you'll analyze Sara's experiences as she grows from child to adult and, in the process, begins the process of Americanization . Directions Use Breadgivers as your source. Refer back to the Breadgivers study guide in the previous module. Compose an essay of at least 500 words in response to question # 3,4,5 or 6. Choose only one of these questions! Begin with an introduction that provides a full context: Which question did you choose? Who/where/when are we? Finish your essay with a conclusion that includes a response to question #7. 1. What perceptions of America did the Smolinsky family have when they first arrived? How did these perceptions change for some family members? 2. How did the traditional Jewish culture of the old country sustain the family in America? In particular, what was the role of religion and how did religion shape traditional gender roles?, 3. How did the old culture and the new culture of America clash? How did the materialism and individualism of America conflict with the values and traditions of the Old World? 4. How was the traditional, male-dominated culture eroded or undermined by the new roles and responsibilities of women and increased economic and educational opportunities for women in America? 5. How did Sara attempt to bridge the old and new cultures? Why did she reject Max but was attracted to Hugo? Why did she eventually reconcile with her father? 6. Identify four main turning points in Sara’s life. Explain how each is a step in her struggle to forge a new identity. 7. What is the relevance of the novel for today?