The First Seven Years By: Bernard Malamud Notes
Background information Author: Bernard Malamud (1914-1986) 1986) known for writing stories about characters redeemed by love. Wrote short stories and several novels National Book Award (1959) Pulitzer Prize (1966)
Background information: Continued The story is set in New York City (1950 s) European Jewish Immigrant community - a strong patriarchal family structure - arranged marriages -emphasis on education and generational advancement
Concepts Point of View (POV): 3 rd Person limited- uses 3 rd person pronouns [he, she, it, etc.], but is limited to the thoughts of only one character Theme: : True love is self-sacrificing sacrificing and enduring through time Allusion: : alludes to a more popular text. This story is a biblical allusion to Jacob and Rachel
Characterization Main Characters: 1. Feld- (protagonist) a Polish immigrant who owns a shoe repair shop 2. Miriam- Feld s s 19-year year-old daughter who chooses to work rather than go to college; loves to read & discuss literature 3. Sobel- (antagonist) 35-year year-old Polish refugee and Feld s s assistant for five years 4. Max- college boy,, Feld wants Miriam to date him, but Miriam rejects him
Characterization: Continued Minor Characters 1. Feld s s wife 2. Feld s s new assistant- thief
Definition of Protagonist The main character, usually the character who sets the action of the story in motion 1. The one the reader focuses his/her attention 2. Sometimes admirable (doesn t t have to be likeable) 3. Rarely all good 4. Real complicated human being with identifiable strengths and weaknesses 5. The action of the story is based on the protagonist s s setting out to get something he/she wants
Definition of Antagonist The character or force that comes into conflict with the protagonist Rarely all bad
Plot Structure Exposition- exposes the reader to the characters, and setting. Conflict- the problem 1. Internal conflict- a problem within the character 2. External conflict- a problem as a result of something outside the character Rising action (R.A)- the events leading to the climax Climax- the most intense moment in the story. The turning point! Falling Action (F.A)- the events following the climax Resolution- the problem and story is resolved
The Exposition Exposes the setting - snowy polish village - February Exposes the characters 1. Feld, the shoemaker 2. Sobel, his helper 3. Max, the college boy 4. Miriam, Feld s s daughter
Conflict Their wants- 1. Feld wants Max and Miriam to marry each other. 2. Sobel wants to marry Miriam. 3. Miriam wants her independence. What blocks their wants- 1. Max and Miriam do not like each other. 2. Feld does not want Miriam to marry Sobel
Rising Action Feld talks to Max about Miriam. Sobel storms out of the shop. Miriam does not enjoy Max s s company while on their dates. The new assistant steals from Feld. Feld has a mild heart attack.
Climax Feld seeks Sobel to return to work.
Falling Action Feld finds out that Sobel is in love with Miriam and that is the only reason he has worked for him for as long as he did.
Resolution Feld agrees to allow Sobel to marry Miriam. He just has to wait two more years to propose. Sobel goes back to work for as Feld s assistant.
Compare and Contrast -older -no respect from Feld -no formal education -work focused -genuine relationship with Miriam -Poor -Desires something from Miriam -live in a Jewish Community -goal-oriented -loves to learn -younger -Feld respects him -Formally educated -Intellectually focused -superficial interest in Miriam SOBEL MAX
Love as a theme Kinds of love seen in this story 1. Parental 2. Romantic 3. Silent 4. Sacrificial 5. Philosophical 6. Love of wisdom
Focus Questions What do you think about Max s s request for a picture of Miriam? Which man is the protagonist? Why? Compare Sobel to the new assistant. Did Sobel make the right decision to work an additional two years?
Vocabulary Connection: Analogies Relationship Example Explanation Analogy Synonym funny: humorous Funny means the same thing as humorous funny: humorous :: odd: strange Antonym Funny: depressing Funny is the opposite of depressing Funny: depressing :: happy : sad Descriptive Creative: artist An artist can be described as creative Creative: artist :: studious: student Related Action Revise: writer Revising is an action that a writer performs Revise: writer :: Build: carpenter