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Essay / Traditions and their role in Fiddler on the Roof, a film by Norman Jewison
Table of ContentsFiddler on the Roof Story OverviewIntroductionTradition versus Change: TzeitelTradition versus Change: HodelTradition versus Change: ChavaBalancing Tradition and ChangeConclusionEssay on Fiddler on the Roof ExampleWorks Cited Fiddler on the Roof Story OverviewIntroductionBrief overview of the 1971 film adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof" and its theme of loreMention of Tevye, the main character, and his family in a small Jewish village in RussiaTradition versus change: TzeitelTzeitel's adherence to traditionHer refusal to marry the man chosen by the matchmakerTevye's initial struggle and eventual acceptance of his choiceThe importance of Tzeitel's marriage in the surrender in question of traditionTradition versus change: HodelHodel's willingness to challenge traditions, starting with dancing with PerchikThe village's changing attitude toward dancing C. Hodel's engagement to Perchik and TevyeLa's initial resistance Tevye's realization and blessing of their unionThe impact of Hodel's marriage on traditionTradition versus change: ChavaChava's disregard for tradition in his relationship with FyedkaTevye's reaction to Chava's escape and marriage to a non-Jew Golde's plea for the return of Chava and the disavowal of Tevye his daughter The film's portrait of the consequences of breaking certain traditions Balancing tradition and change Tevye's role as a symbol of tradition and its evolving perspective The film's message about the need for traditions to adapt while preserving cultural identityThe importance of discerning which traditions are essential and which can evolveTevye's struggle to maintain the balance between tradition and changeConclusionSummary of the central theme of tradition and adaptation in "Fiddler on the Roof"The emphasis is on the importance of balancing traditions with changing social and cultural normsThe film's portrait of how traditions can evolve while preserving identity cultural Fiddler on the Roof Essay ExampleIn In the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Norman Jewison, the theme of traditions is predominant. The film takes place in a small Jewish village in Russia. It follows the life of Tevye, a poor milkman with five daughters. In the first issue, “Tradition,” Tevye, the main character, proclaims: “Through our traditions, we have kept our balance for many, many years. ” Which suggests that following traditions to the T is the only way to maintain balance. However, the film seems to question whether traditions should be followed and to what extent they can differ to keep up with changing social culture. Each member of the Tevye family has different views on traditions. Her three eldest daughters are moving further and further away from tradition to ensure their happiness. They all decide to take this step, to deviate from tradition, when it became clear that the town matchmaker would not find them an acceptable partner. Golde, Tevye's wife, sees no point in staying happy if it means abandoning tradition. Tevye, as a father and a man of faith, struggles to balance keeping his daughter happy and maintaining traditions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Tzeitel, the eldest daughter, is the one who sticks most to traditions. She only defies tradition by refusing to marry the man the matchmaker has chosen for her. When Tzeitel learns thatthe matchmaker hooks her up with Lazar, the town butcher and a man 40 years her senior, she begs Tevye to let her marry whoever she wants. She also tells him that it is impossible for her to marry this other man because she promised Motel that she would marry him. Tevye has difficulty accepting this information. Tevye is furious that this is impossible because “. . .We [Tevye and Lazar] made an arrangement,” so she has to marry Lazar. Tzeitel replies and wonders if “. . . An arrangement is more important than [her]. Tevye ponders this question; “. . . Did Adam and Eve have a matchmaker? . . Well yes, they did and it looks like these two have the same one. "Tevye agrees to this new marriage because he seems to believe it honors his religion. He is now struggling to find a way to tell his wife about it. Golde, like many other Jews, believes this... The survival [of culture] relies on .(Diamond) Tevye knows this, however, he is also aware that dreams have important meanings that should be applied to everyday life. This causes Tevye to fabricate an insane story about a dream. In the dream, Golde's mother returns from the dead to congratulate Motel on her marriage to Tzeitel. It also represents Lazar's deceased wife who threatens him if he continues. to secure the marriage between Tzeitel and Lazar Based on Tevye's dream and Motel's heritage, she agreed to the marriage who she desired, she showed that traditions must have room to grow. and allowing personal happiness Hodel, the second eldest daughter, deviates from tradition in various ways. First, she dances with Perchik, a scandalous act because in this village it is forbidden to dance with the opposite sex. At first, Hodel refuses to dance because “the actions will be a reflection of…”. . . our culture. » (Diamond). Hodel interrogates Perchik and asks him where these crazy ideas come from. Perchik informs Hodel that dancing with the opposite sex is very common in Moscow, where people can be seen dancing in the streets. He also tells her that nowhere in the Bible is it forbidden to dance with the opposite sex. After Perchik finishes explaining his ideas, Hodel agrees to dance with him. Later, at Tzeitel and the Motels' wedding, the rabbi decrees that it is acceptable to dance with the opposite sex. No one is enchanted by a new thought; Once Tevye and Perchik cheer the crowd on, everyone dances. It seems strange that the rabbi would change this religious law given that it has been forbidden for a few generations now. However, it is not uncommon for rules and traditions to change in response to social or political changes; it is a completely normal practice because “every religious law, every divine prophecy is susceptible to modification because it has human roots. » (Rothstine) A simple dance shows how easy it is to change a tradition in relation to religion. This shows that religious texts can be interpreted in different ways depending on the circumstances. Hodel departs furthest from tradition when she becomes engaged to Perchik. Perchik did not ask Tevye's permission, he is not an Orthodox Jew and he is a communist. When Hodel and Perchik announce their engagement to Tevye, he immediately lashes out. He is scandalized that they did not have a matchmaker and did not ask his permission. Tevye wonders how far they will stray from tradition since they will already be the matchmakers: “The groom, the matchmaker and the guests all rolled into one? I assume you will perform the ceremony too? However, when Perchik declares his love for Hodel, he clearly hits on one of Tevye's weak points. Tevye, 36(4), 77-85.