Symbolism In 'Bread Givers'

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Bread Givers, when I thought of the title the first image came to my mind was the 40’s – 50’s with an English atmosphere of horses and carriages, stone buildings, men in suits with tall hats wearing a pocket watch and holding a cane with their ladies and in middle of that a bakery or bread shop. I know its little weird. I think the true meaning to me is responsibility not for just the household but for oneself; also respect. In this book the title Bread Givers goes to two directions or path for these characters like Sara, independent woman and her elder sister Bessie who sacrifices her dreams and serves the family. Sara is the youngest daughter and plays the first person in the story. She is the most fiercely independent daughter in the…show more content…
One was the “internal light” and also Sara wanted to be a “Real” person. The internal light that several characters in Bread Givers either have or are seeking symbolizes their self-chosen purpose for living. Sara’s father spends all hours of his day devoting himself to understanding the Torah and other holy works, and many people talk about the light that shines constantly from his face. This is especially true whenever he's expounding on a scripture or holy principle. Love for Jacob Novak is what finally brings light to Mashah's face, as she turns her time and energy from maintaining her own appearance to tending to Jacob's every need. Yezierska talks about the innocent light that shines from young Benny's face, and Bessie decides that caring for him will be the purpose that makes her marriage to an old fish peddler tolerable. In the book, Sara spends most of her struggles to get an education, hoping to find a purpose that will define her life the way religion defines her father's. She admires Hugo Seelig so much because he is her light by that purpose. The light of knowledge shines from him and touches everyone he knows. Another symbolism is to be a “Real” person. What does she mean by
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