What is the main idea of the first seven years?
In The First Seven Years by Bernard Malamud we have the theme of desire, love, insecurity, conflict, independence, appearance and change.
How does the first seven years reflect this American identity?
How does “The First Seven Years” reflect this American identity? All of the characters are looking for ways to improve their lives. Think about how each character defines success.
Why do you think it’s important for Feld who’s an immigrant to have his daughter married off to a college boy?
Feld the shoemaker, Sobel the helper, Max, the college boy, and Miriam who is independent. Why does Feld want his daughter to marry a college-educated man? She won’t have to work and have a better life and that she might consider going to college.
Why does Feld like Max?
Why does Feld want Max and Miriam to be together? Sobel works for Feld for a small cost, he learned how to efficiently run the business for Feld, and he proved to Feld that he is trustworthy.
What is the climax of the first seven years?
The story is about Feld, a Jewish shoemaker who seeks a suitable husband for his daughter Miriam. In the climax of the story, Feld tells Sobel that if he works for two more years, making seven in all, he can ask Miriam for her hand in marriage.
What was Bernard Malamud known for?
Bernard Malamud (April 26, 1914 – March 18, 1986) was an American novelist and short story writer. Along with Saul Bellow, Joseph Heller, and Philip Roth, he was one of the best known American Jewish authors of the 20th century. His baseball novel, The Natural, was adapted into a 1984 film starring Robert Redford.
What does Sobel reveal about his feelings for Miriam when Feld visits him?
Sobel says that Miriam knows how he feels about her although he has never told her directly. Feld is angry and tells Sobel that he will never marry his daughter. Sobel also becomes angry but then breaks down in tears. Feld feels pity for him.
Why did Feld hire Sobel?
In the ensuing discussion, it transpires that the only reason Sobel worked for Feld for five years was because he was in love with Miriam. Feld had half-guessed this was the case but had not acknowledged it to himself. Sobel says that Miriam knows how he feels about her although he has never told her directly.
Which character in the first seven years is the protagonist?
Feld
The main character, Feld, is a Jewish shoemaker who searches for a proper husband for her daughter Miriam to acquire a better life when compared with the difficulty of their present living circumstances. He requires her “to marry an educated man and live a better life” (Malamud 1983: 14).
Does Max really share Feld’s values?
Does Max share Feld’s values with respect to his daughter? Max wants material things for himself, while Feld wants a better life for his daughter. They do not share the same values. Feld sees Sobel as a life of hardship which he hopes for avoid for his daughter, Miriam.
What do Miriam and Sobel have in common?
What did Miriam and Sobel have in common? They read books. Why did Sobel get angry when Feld told him to stop giving Miriam books? It was what they had in common.
Who is Sobel in the first seven years?
Sobel. Sobel is Feld’s assistant in the shoemaking store. He is a Polish Jewish refugee and has worked for Feld for five years. Although he knew nothing of shoemaking when he started, he quickly learned the business and could soon repair a shoe as well as Feld.
What is the theme of the first seven years by Bernard Malamud?
The First Seven Years by Bernard Malamud. In The First Seven Years by Bernard Malamud we have the theme of desire, love, insecurity, conflict, independence, appearance and change.
What is the main theme of the first seven years?
In The First Seven Years by Bernard Malamud we have the theme of desire, love, insecurity, conflict, independence, appearance and change.
What is the setting of the first seven years?
“The First Seven Years” is a short story that was written in 1950. It later appeared in Malamud’s first collection of short stories, The Magic Barrel, in 1958. The narrative tells the story of Feld, a Jewish shoemaker who is searching for a suitable husband for his daughter. The story itself is set in 1949.
What is the significance of the title of the story Malamud?
The title of the story may also be symbolically significant as Malamud may be making reference to the biblical story of Jacob and Rachel. In that story Jacob agrees to serve Laban (Rachel’s father) for seven years and in return Laban will allow Jacob to marry Rachel.