Analysis of The Americanization of Shadrach Cohen Short Story

Author’s Biography

          Bruno Lessing (1870 - 1940) was born in the United States, in New York. His real name was “Rudolph Block” but the won fame as a short-story writer for magazinesunder the by-line of Bruno Lessing.

          He worked first as a news reporter and later became the editor of the comic supplement of the Hearst newspapers. His books include the story collections With the Best Intention (1914) and Children of Men, from which this story is taken. Lessing received high critical praise for his depictions of Jewish life in New York.

Plot Summary

          The story is carried out between two Americanized young men and their father who insisted on his religion. Not only because of the powerful conflicts which attract a lot, but also the thoughts associated with the story. The old-fashioned religious thoughts and the new thoughts of Americanization crashed here.When the young keep their face smooth, their dear father tends to wear long beard. Besides, instead of donning the praying cup and reciting the grace, the sons are ashamed of doing so. However, what really accounts is not the different behaviors can be seen, but the basic thought in their mind.The father and sons hold different attitude towards the old religion. On one hand, Shadrach sticks to the religion. On the other hand, Abel and Cottlieb believe that the religion is out of date and should be abolished.

         In the story of The Americanization of Shadrach Cohen, the author described a Russian immigrant who, at first, was reluctant to be Americanized, succumbed to the reality later and took possession of his two dear sons’ store which prospered under his supervision

·     Exposition (beginning)

          The exposition or the beginning of the story is start from the first paragraph in the story “There is no set rule for the turning of the worm, most worms, however, turn unexpectedly.” Until the next paragraph, which is “Shadrach came. With him he brought Marta, the serving woman…household”. It means that, the exposition or the beginning of the story is start from introducing the Shadrach, his two sons they are Abel and Gotlieb, and introducing their serving-woman, her name is Marta. Marta is serving-woman who had nursed his wife until she died. Then, in the beginning of the story introduce that Shadrach’s sons (Abel and Gotlieb) had left Russia five years before Shadrach, and then they had opened a store on Hester Street. After that, Abel and Gotlieb wrote to Shadrach to come to America. America is the country where Abel and Gotlieb had moved. Then, Shadrach came, and he brought Marta.

·     Rising Action

          For the rising action of the story is start from when the ship landed in America, Shadrach met by his sons, but Shadrach realize that his sons is changed. It is seen by Abel and Gotlieb asked to Shadrach to go to a barber who will trim his beard, and they said that “it makes you look more like an American”. It is like Abel and Gotlieb are shy to their father. When Shadrach realize that his sons is changed, it is seen not only like that, but also Abel and Gotlieb didn’t pray any more when they was having a dinner. At that time, Shadrach is more shocked because he thought that his sons forgot the God. Then, for rising action is until Gotlieb asked to Shadrach to learned to speak English and Gotlied told that he had someone’s very beautiful. Her name is miriam.

·     Climax

          Climax of the story is start from when Gotlieb tells that he has a someone special that he loves. Her name is Shadchen. He tells to his father about the girl. But, Gotlieb forbid when Shadrach want to meet her, and then he said that “I think, father. You had better not go just yet. Let us wait a few days until the Sadchen has made all the arragements,” and Gotlieb emphasize that “She is an American girl”. It is like Gotlieb was shy to the condition of his father who has a long bread, and it is like Russian Jewis. Thus, it makes Shadrach is very angry.

·     Falling Action

          The falling action of the story is start of Shadrach gazed long and earnestly at his sons. Then, Sjadrach said that “Tomorrow my sons. You will begin to lead a new life”. It is like Shadrach want to end his problem with their sons.

·     Resolution (Ending)

          Resolution of the story is start from Abel and Gotlieb proud of their father. A new life was unfolding itself before his eyes, Shadrach become broader-minded, more tolerant, and above all, more flexible in his tenets.