Concept Of Tradition In Fiddler on The Roof

a) “Tradition!” This is the cry of Tevye throughout the film.

• Describe the role it plays in his life. Refer to specific examples.
• Evaluate how important tradition is in maintaining the Jewish people.

In the film Fiddler on the roof, the main character Tevye states “Tradition!” very frequently, but why does he do this and how does this play a significant role in his life. First, let’s talk about tradition in Judaism. Tradition is what makes Judaism it makes all Jews unique in how they keep holidays and celebrate them or how they make certain food or the way they eat them. Tevye is a proud Jew and tradition is very important to him, his whole lifestyle is based on his traditions. He thinks that without tradition we (Jews) would have no identity. Also, he thinks without tradition, no one would know who they are and what God expects them to do. For example, he sings that they have kept their patterns of life for many years and how they sleep, eat, work, and wear their clothes tells something about who they are. Tradition for Jews has been a very important aspect of our beliefs. For example, there are different types of Jews, there are Sephardim and Ashkenazim. But why is it important for Jews to keep their tradition? If it wasn’t for tradition the oral Torah would have never been passed down, Pesach, matzah or any of the Jewish customs would not exist in our modern society and what we consider as Jewish today would be completely different. In conclusion, Tevye’s views on tradition being important is a very true statement as without it no religion or person would be the same today.

Tevye says to Hava when she speaks to him about Fietka:

“A fish can marry a bird, but where will they make their home?”

Tevye cries out to Hava:

“No, Hava, No!! If I bend so far I will break.

• The Fiddler plays a central role in the film.
• What do you think he is meant to represent?

In the film Fiddler on the roof, the Fiddler plays a very important role, every time something important happened in the film the fiddler would appear and start playing in the background. The fiddler is the essence of the movie, as Tevye goes through multiple challenges upon challenges that push his customs, push his thinking, push his core beliefs even. All working towards getting him to adjust or perish. Each time he adjusts he discovered a surprise that the new way was better than the old. The new relationship and belief are both better. Even In the end, the Constable banishes the entire Jewish community which forces them out to a new better life in America. The fiddler played. He adjusted, and each time he did, he flourished a little bit more and became better than before.