Anzia Yezierska in Bread Givers and "Children of Loneliness" explores the theme of reconciling assimilation to American culture and retaining her cultural heritage. "Richard F. Shepard asserted in the New York Times that Yezierska’s people…did not want to find themselves. They wanted to lose themselves and find America" (Gale Database 8). Rachel and Sara, the main characters, move ahead by employing the America motto of hard work will pay off. The problem for both is losing their Jewish identity in the process. Yezierska, like the female characters, experienced the loneliness of separation from the Jewish people when she rose above poverty. "I am alone because I left my own world" (Ebest 8). She explores this issue repeatedly in her work trying to find a solution to a problem with no easy answer.
In order to obtain religious, social, political, and equality 23 million Jews immigrated to America during the years between 1880 and 1920 (Chametzky, 5). Anzia Yezierska wrote about her experiences as a poor immigrant in her fictional wor... [to view the full essay now, purchase below]For those who are born in America, the definition of being an American is not a difficult question. For first generation immigrants conflicted between loyalty to their native country and desire to belong in the new world, it is an extremely difficult question that never gives the same answer twice. Events and experience of the characters in the Bread Givers constantly shape and reshape their own definition of being a true American. For the older generation, the definition is deeply rooted in their rigid preconceptions and ideals. The younger generation's definition is more malleable, easily influenced by new experiences and outsiders' opinions. The struggle of both generations to reach a concrete definition can be seen through the ... Showed first 120 words of 2442 Size (words)