Index The story of Fiddler on the RoofIntroductionTradition versus change: TzeitelTradition versus change: HodelTradition versus change: ChavaBalancing tradition and changeConclusionEssay on Fiddler on the Roof ExampleWorks quoteFiddler on the RoofStory HistoryIntroductionBrief overview of the 1971 film adaptation of "Fiddler on the Roof" and its theme of traditionsMention of Tevye, the main character, and his family in a small Jewish village in RussiaTradition vs. Change: TzeitelThe Membership of Tzeitel to traditionShe refuses to marry the man chosen by the matchmaker Tevye's initial struggle and eventual acceptance of her choice The significance of Tzeitel's marriage in challenging tradition Tradition versus change: Hodel Hodel's willingness to challenge tradition traditions, starting with the dance with Perchik The change in the village's attitude towards the engagement dance of C. Hodel to the initial resistance of Perchik and Tevye The realization and blessing of Tevye of their union The impact of Hodel's marriage on the tradition Tradition vs. Change: Chava Chava's contempt for tradition in her relationship with Fyedka Tevye's reaction to Chava's elopement and marriage with a non-Jewish Golde's request for Chava's return and Tevye's disowning her daughterThe film's portrayal of the consequences of breaking certain traditionsBalance between tradition and changeTevye's role as a symbol of tradition and his evolving perspectiveThe film's message of the need for traditions to adapt while preserving cultural identityThe importance of discerning which traditions are essentials and which ones can evolveTevye's struggle to maintain the balance between tradition and changeConclusionSummary of the central theme of tradition and adaptation in "Fiddler on the Roof"Emphasis on the importance of balancing traditions with changing social and cultural normsThe portrait of the film of how traditions can evolve while preserving cultural identityFiddler on the Roof Essay ExampleIn In the 1971 film adaptation of Fiddler on the Roof, directed by Norman Jewison, the theme of traditions is prominent. The film is set in a small Jewish village in Russia. It follows the life of Tevye, a poor milkman with five daughters. In the opening number, "Tradition", Tevye, the main character, proclaims that "Because of our traditions we have maintained our balance for many, many years." Which suggests that following traditions to the letter T is the only way to maintain balance. However, the film seems to question whether traditions should be followed and how much they can differ to keep up with socio-cultural changes. Each of Tevye's family members has different opinions on traditions. His three eldest daughters move further and further away from tradition to ensure their happiness. They all decide to take this step, to move away from tradition, when it becomes clear that the town matchmaker will not find an acceptable match for them. Golde, Tevye's wife, sees no point in staying happy if it means leaving tradition behind. Tevye, as a father and a man of faith, struggles to find a balance between his daughter's happiness and maintaining traditions. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Tzeitel, the eldest daughter, is the one closest to the traditions. She defies tradition only when she refuses to marry the man the matchmaker has chosen for her. When Tzeitel finds out the matchmaker has itMatched with Lazar, the town butcher and a man 40 years her senior, she begs Tevye to let her marry whoever she wants. She also tells him that it is impossible for her to marry this other man because she promised Motel that she would marry him. Tevye struggles to accept this information. Tevye gets angry that this is impossible because, “. . .We [Tevye and Lazar] made a deal,” so she must marry Lazar. Tzeitel counters and wonders if “. . . A deal is more important than [her].” Tevye ponders this question; “. . . Adam and Eve did they have a matchmaker? . Well yes, they did and it seems these two have the same. "Tevye agrees to this new marriage because he seems to believe he honors his religion. Now he struggles to find a way to tell his wife. Golde, like many other Jews, believes that “. . . [The culture's] survival has been based on . . . tradition." (Diamond) Tevye knows this, but he is also aware that Golde believes that dreams have important meanings; meanings that should be applied to everyday life. This leads Tevye to make up a crazy story about a dream. In the dream, Golde's mother returns from the dead to congratulate Motel on his marriage to Tzeitel. He also describes Lazar's dead wife threatening him if he continues to secure the marriage between Tzeitel and Lazar. Based on Tevye's dream and Motel's legacy, he agrees to the marriage. By marrying whoever she wanted, Tzeitel demonstrated that traditions must have room to grow and allow for personal happiness. Hodel, the second eldest daughter, departs from tradition in several ways. First, she dances with Perchik, a scandalous act because dancing with the opposite sex is forbidden in this village. At first Hodel refuses to dance because “the actions will be a reflection of. . . our culture." (Diamond). Hodel questions Perchik and where he gets these outlandish ideas. Perchik informs Hodel that dancing with the opposite sex is very common in Moscow, where people can be seen dancing in the streets. He also tells her that nowhere in the Bible is dancing with the opposite sex prohibited. After Perchik finishes explaining his ideas, Hodel agrees to dance with him. Later, at Tzeitel and Motel's wedding, the rabbi decrees that it is acceptable to dance with the opposite sex. No one is fascinated by new thoughts; once Tevye and Perchik cheer the crowd on, everyone dances. It is strange that the Rabbi changes this religious law considering that it has been prohibited for several generations now. However, altering rules and traditions based on social or political changes is not uncommon; it is a very normal practice because "every religious law, every divine prophecy is susceptible to modification because it has human roots". (Rothstine) A simple dance shows how easy it is to change a tradition in relation to religion. This shows that religious text can be interpreted in various ways in different circumstances. Hodel departs further from tradition when she becomes engaged to Perchik. Perchik did not ask Tevye's permission, he is not an Orthodox Jew and he is a communist. When Hodel and Perchik announce their engagement to Tevye, he immediately lashes out. He is outraged that they did not have a matchmaker, nor did he ask for his permission. Tevye wonders how much they will stray from tradition since they will already be the matchmakers, “The groom, the matchmaker, and the guests in one? I assume you will perform the ceremony too?" However, when Perchik declares his love for Hodel, he clearly hits one of Tevye's weak points. Tevye reflects, "Love is a new style, but the old style was once new, no?" After this realization she gives Perchik and Hodel her blessing. Golde doesn't take the news of her daughter's engagement well; she screams and throws things at Tevye, who broke the news. Golde is very disappointed in her daughter because even, 36(4), 77-85.