Cultural Culture In Anatevka

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In this paper, I will be analyzing the unique culture that lies within Anatevka. The purpose of this in-depth analysis is to observe the specific cultural elements that are present in their distinct society. In order to ensure organization and proper structure within this analytical essay, I am going to attempt to help create you a proper road map of where I will be heading, and where I should end up. To begin, I will be defining a proper conceptual framework by trying to interpret important terms and philosophical meanings that relate to culture itself, not Anatevka. I will try to explain what culture is and how it may be used properly throughout the framework of my essay. From there, I will set the scene. It is important to understand the specific elements of Anatevka in order to properly comprehend their culture and traditions that make them the village they are. I will describe the time period and any important aspects of the village I believe contributes to the traditions that are so deeply rooted in their Jewish society. I will also describe the family I will be observing and how their actions affected my analysis. From there, I will clearly lay out my data by telling you how I was able to capture all of the evidence I did. That being, how I got an up close and personal look into the lives of a family living within a distinct cultural sphere. Second to last, I will pick the three elements of Anatevka’s culture that I think are the most notable and will describe them in great depth with support from quotations which I have found in both the movie and book. The purpose of these three paragraphs will be to demonstrate the elements of Anatevka’s culture that are deeply rooted within their community, and I believe are the most important to share with the reader. Lastly, I will conclude by touching on any points that I feel need further addressing or explantation and providing a clear and concise closing statement. In Anatevka, tradition is what holds life together and I am here to help you understand why it is so important in such a little village, “A fiddler on the roof… Sounds crazy, no? But here, in our little village of Anatevka, you might say every one of us is a fiddler on the roof. Trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn 't easy. You may ask, why do we stay up there if it’s so dangerous? Well, we stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word, tradition!” (Fiddler on the Roof, Norman Jewison) What is Culture? As I stated, it is important to introduce conceptual framework before starting an analytical essay. In order to do this, I will be helping you understand what culture is and which type I will be using. To help you understand what culture is, it is important that you understand three key facts. …show more content…
As I explained in the section about marriage, women have one distinct goal in their lives. That is, to find a suitable and appropriate husband for her daughters. Now, this does not seem like much of twenty-first century approach to the roles of women in society, but it is how it is done in Anatevka. Women are there to cook, clean, and take care of their families while the men are there to protect and provide. On a more distinct level, there is a unique segregation of sexes within Anatevka. This segregation primarily has to due with affection within their society. It is looked down upon for two people, not married, to engage in any form of affection with one another. Tevye sums up gender roles within society perfectly when he lashes out at Golde. Interrupting Golde, Tevye says, “Quiet, woman, before I get angry, because when I get angry even flies don 't dare to fly!” (Fiddler on the Roof, Norman Jewison) In this scene, I noticed that Tevye exerted his dominance over Golde and, in doing so, created a clear divide of power. It is unquestionable that Tevye carries the authority within the family and I have witnessed the clear gender divide present within Anatevka. It is an integral part of their culture and I have enough confidence to say that because I witnessed it first

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