Yezierska's Bread Givers example essay topic

An zia Yezierska's Bread Givers attacks several social norms of both her traditional Polish homeland and the American life her protagonist has come to know. Clearly autobiographical, Bread Givers boldly questions why certain social and religious traditions continue throughout the centuries without the slightest consideration for an individual's interests or desires. Sara's traditional Jewish upbringing exposed her to a life dominated by patriarchal control; when she arrived in New York to seek out the American Dream, she found that once again her gender would stand in the way of such desires. Inspite of these cultural barriers, her mother understood Sara's burning quest to break free from traditional molds: '... When she begins to want a thing, there is no rest, no let-up till she gets it' (Yezierska PG). What is the American Dream, and who are the people most likely to pursue it soften-elusive fulfillment?

Indeed, the American Dream has come to represent the attainment of myriad goals that are specific to each individual; while one person might consider a purchased home with a white picket fence her version of the American Dream, another might regard it as the financial ability to operate his own business. Clearly, there is no cut and dried definition of the American Dream as long as any two people hold a different meaning. What it does universally represent, however, is the opportunity for people like Sara to seek out their individual and collective desires under apolitical umbrella of democracy. 'More and more I began to think inside myself, I don't want to sell [fish] for the rest of my days. I want to learn something.

I want to do something. I want some day to make myself for a person and come among people' (Yezierska PG). Driven to the United States by way of their oppressive homeland, Sara's family may have believed that this nation's streets are paved with gold where opportunities abound for lifelong prosperity, however, none of them took the initiative to find out for themselves. Rather, they were content to scrape out a meager living just to have adequate food on the table and a roof over their heads. Sara would have none of this, realizing early on that if she wanted to make something of herself she would have to work many times harder than her male counterpart - a sacrifice she was more than willing to make if it meant establishing a life of her own. 'How glad I was that I had not stopped at the husk-a good job-a good living-but pressed on, through the barriers of materialism.

Through my inarticulate groping and reaching-out Ihad found the soul-the spirit-of America!' (Yezierska PG). Sara's experiences during her migration to the United States mirrors those of others who, like her, sought a better life than the one they left behind in their homelands. Marred by frequent struggles and frustration, the life of an immigrant was also a source of happiness and celebration for those who found their ultimate dream in American. Addressing such questions as why did people come to seek a new life in the United States, what were their expectations and did they change after they arrived, as well as how do autobiographies better enable society to understand historical issues surrounding immigration, Yezierska effectively resolves such details with her insightful account. Bread Givers tellingly reflects a time of drastic change, both within Sara's personal life as well as in the lives of her family. The author's account of the American Dream was not as rosy as perhaps she had anticipated, noting that her reality was in a constant state of chaos and lacking essential discipline.

By this observation, Yezierska became quickly disillusioned with American capitalistic customs and habits, stating that they were at the root of social demise. However, this was not the case for the majority of immigrants from that period. Eager to leave behind social oppression, gender discrimination and seek a significantly more prosperous existence, most found America to be a place full of opportunity. Women, in particular, sought relief from the imbalance of gender roles, desirable of new horizons when it came to the inadequacy of conventional behavior modes. Bread Givers possesses many important feminist components that, if not taken in their direct context, will be overlooked by the average reader.

It is essential to also look beyond the author's obvious intention with regard to the history of gender, feminism and patriarchal control, as well as capitalism and the American Dream, so as not to miss the grand but elusive subtleties. 'A woman without a man is less than nothing. A woman without a man can never enter Heaven' (Yezierska PG). To be sure, Yezierska's writing incorporates a significant amount of blatancy while also implying considerable obscurity, a dichotomy that serves well her account of women's place in historical society. Without question, Bread Givers provides a unique insight into the relationships that exist between and among men, women, society and the outright expectations from them all. Also evident within the very essence of this historical chronicling is the manner in which it illustrates the compassion inherent within such a composer as AnziaYezierska.

One can gather from Yezierska's Bread Givers that throughout society, patriarchy has been responsible for designing women's role in society; many of these devices used in earlier centuries were related to religion. Certain scripture regularly challenged women to disprove that they were inferior-to not agree was heresy. When religion did not work alone, scientific theory was included as a factor in the equation that supported the ideal that women are inferior. Based upon a conviction of inferiority, male authorities were then able to design lifestyles for women, including approved activities, mannerism, education, sexuality and religious pursuits.

Influential in both style and content, Bread Givers attacks gender, societal and cultural roles at one time. Not concerned with appearance, the author wants her feelings to be known with regard to her stance on feminism: traditionally, the man remains in control with the woman submissive. 'I began to feel I was different than my sisters... If they ever had times they hated Father, they were too frightened of themselves to confess... But could help it what was inside me? I had to feel what I felt even it killed me' (Yezierska PG).

Through her insights, Yezierska attempts to push forward the strength and spirituality of women by recognizing the inconsistencies between men and women, and being bold enough to comment upon them. Theauthor's courageous attempts to conquer the timeworn gender bias within American society are highly commendable. She dares to dispute the idea of patriarchy through sincerity and a passion burning from within as a means by which to help her female counterparts recognize the unbalanced responsibilities of womanhood. Yezierska's words speak clearly and with a boldness that surpasses expression. Her recognition that women possess so much more within their souls than merely remaining the oppressed female counterpart of an egotistical male is startling. Carrying forth the burden that has plagued women for centuries, Yezierska " bread Givers attempts to alter the historical concept of patriarchy within the boundaries of Western epistemology.

In the author's opinion, the age-old gender molds are ripe for revamping and bringing into the present frame of consciousness. No longer are women to be made to suffer through an oppressive existence simply because it is mandated by religious; rather, Yezierska paints a new picture of a strong, intelligent woman who will not be coerced by the irrational expectations of an oppressive, patriarchal society.