Fiddler on the Roof Essay Example
The musical called "Fiddler on the Roof" was set in Anatefka, Russia around 1880-1900. During this time, in this small town, held Tevya and his family. Tevya, husband and father of five daughters, is a cynical, obstinate, determined, yet sensitive to feelings, and caring man. He is a clever philosopher and sticks very much to tradition. In the story
Tevya says "Anatefka is our home...to keep in balance by tradition..."
This explains the title which is personally understood that through
Tevya's eyes, without tradition, life would be as a fiddler on a roof, unbalanced. This story, demonstrates the precarious lives of the
Russian Jews of the late 19th century. The main character, Tevya, compares their lives to that of a fiddler on a roof with only traditions helping them keep their balance. However, throughout the story,
Tevya is forced time and again to face and break traditions. Tzeitle, Tevya's oldest daughter was supposedly to be prepared a husband by her parents with the help of Yenta (the old gossip woman who also makes matches). Tzeitle's parents agree with the match-making to Lazar Wolf the rich old butler. The problem is that
Tzeitle is in love with Mottle, the poor tailor and pledged each other they would marry. The bigger conflict appears when Tevya finds out and also after he told Lazar Wolf he could marry his daughter. Tevya, after having a nightmare with Lazar Wolf's ex-wife, threatening to kill
Tzeitle if she marries Lazar, and after realizing the true feelings of his daughter, Tevya broke the tradition. The second oldest daughter, Hodel, goes through a similar route as her older sister Tzeitle. The only main difference was that Hodel and her fiancé didn't expect permission. They wanted Tevya's blessings. Tevya, puzzled, upset, and surprised, begins to slowly accept after thinking of the pros and cons. When Tevya does accept, he tells his wife and runs as if not to get scolded. The third eldest daughter Chava had a guy in
Tevya says "Anatefka is our home...to keep in balance by tradition..."
This explains the title which is personally understood that through
Tevya's eyes, without tradition, life would be as a fiddler on a roof, unbalanced. This story, demonstrates the precarious lives of the
Russian Jews of the late 19th century. The main character, Tevya, compares their lives to that of a fiddler on a roof with only traditions helping them keep their balance. However, throughout the story,
Tevya is forced time and again to face and break traditions. Tzeitle, Tevya's oldest daughter was supposedly to be prepared a husband by her parents with the help of Yenta (the old gossip woman who also makes matches). Tzeitle's parents agree with the match-making to Lazar Wolf the rich old butler. The problem is that
Tzeitle is in love with Mottle, the poor tailor and pledged each other they would marry. The bigger conflict appears when Tevya finds out and also after he told Lazar Wolf he could marry his daughter. Tevya, after having a nightmare with Lazar Wolf's ex-wife, threatening to kill
Tzeitle if she marries Lazar, and after realizing the true feelings of his daughter, Tevya broke the tradition. The second oldest daughter, Hodel, goes through a similar route as her older sister Tzeitle. The only main difference was that Hodel and her fiancé didn't expect permission. They wanted Tevya's blessings. Tevya, puzzled, upset, and surprised, begins to slowly accept after thinking of the pros and cons. When Tevya does accept, he tells his wife and runs as if not to get scolded. The third eldest daughter Chava had a guy in