Bread Givers Thesis

Anzia Yezierska's book, "Bread Givers," offers readers a concept of immigrants' experiences in the US during the early twentieth century. Yezierska presents three concepts—identity and gender roles—through the progression of Sara's story. Sara Smolinsky's journey unfolds as a young Jewish immigrant challenges social norms to pursue her aspirations and achieve independence. Sara struggles to balance her desire for liberty with her obligations to her family and culture. She also grapples with the conflict between her Orthodox Jewish upbringing and the opportunities provided by the American Dream. Sara sets out to discover her identity, stating, "The Old World had struck its last on me" (Yezierska 1925, 138). She rejects the patriarchal, outdated, and controlling ways of the "Old World" and seeks to establish herself as a young American woman. In her work, Anzia Yezierska addresses the limitations and destructive gender norms women in traditional Jewish society must comply with. The protagonist, Sara, embarks on a journey to attain independence and self-actualization, challenging societal conventions and striving to establish her path in a patriarchal society. Reb Smolinsky, her father, represents patriarchal values, as evidenced by his

The author demonstrates an insightful understanding of cause and effect, highlighting how individual actions can have far-reaching implications on the characters and their paths. A great example of this can be seen in Sara's journey, which is influenced by her sisters' marriages due to their father's interference. Yezierska shows how Sara's trajectory is shaped by her family's decisions, adding depth and realism to the story. However, while this interconnectedness is a strength, it could also be a potential weakness. The extensive exploration of Sara's sisters' marriages could be condensed into a