Abraham Cahan

Melanie Freeman

English 48B

January 27, 2009

Abraham Cahan: The Imported Bridegroom

Abraham Cahan was an Orthodox Jews who immigrated to the United States from the Russian Empire in 1882.  Cahan's education in Europe was specialized in literature and social theory, which allowed him to become one of the most prominent Jewish American writers of his time.  The "Americanization" struggles immigrants faced upon arriving in the United States was at the heart of much of Cahan's writing.  He felt that his writing could help the immigrants rise out of their poor, urban ghettos and become a part of the industrializing nation.  The Imported Bridegroom and Other Stories of the New York Ghetto was published in 1898.  This story describes many of conflicts between traditional, Jewish religious practices and the newly adopted American ways of life.  The irony used throughout the text reveals the harsh reality of this "paradise on earth" (789) , known as New York City.  

"When supper was over and Asriel and Tamara were about to say grace, Flora resumed the reading of her novel.

'Off with that lump of Gentile nastiness while holy words are being said!' the old man growled" (766).

Summary:

At this point in the text, the reader has been introduced to Flora as a beautiful, Americanized Jewish girl who wants nothing more but to become a part of upper class society.  She has spent the afternoon reading English literature alone until her father, Asriel returns home for supper.  We have also learned that Asriel has recently become consumed with reestablishing himself as a religious man in hopes that he will be forgiven for his many sins.  Asriel has become very extreme in his attempt to bring himself and his family back to traditional Jewish values.  

This moment is one of the first interactions Asriel has with his daughter and the situation and tone is reflective of one of the main conflicts throughout the story.  Flora represents the Americanized Jew who wants to leave the old ways behind and Asriel represents the old, traditional Jewish practices.  These two ideas continue to conflict throughout the story just as Asriel and his daughter do in this instance.  

Reflection:

I think that this brief instance provides foreshadowing and encapsulates the main problem many immigrants faced upon arriving in America.  For many immigrants, America symbolized a fresh start and freedom from the oppression they had faced in their home countries.  These people hoped to go to America and be free to live how they would like and also for the economic opportunities rumored to be had.  However, what they did not expect was for America itself to have such a distinct culture of its own.  The focus on economics shaped the American people distinctly that immigrants were forced to conform.  

Success and economic growth were the main ideas in the Industrial Revolution and traditional religious practices were left behind.  Flora, a Jewish girl born in America, the new ideas seemed logical while the old traditions seemed distant and even ridiculous.  She does not understand her father's insistence on the importance of prayer and worship and would much rather spend her time reading.  Asriel takes great offense to this because to him, "the holy words" should come before all else.

The slow detachment many Jewish immigrants faced from their old ways was not an easy process.  Many tried to hold on to their traditions but the strong influence of American culture often proved too strong.