Studies in Short Fiction, January 1st, 1995
The scheming matchmaker in Bernard Malamud's 'The Magic Barrel' is able manipulate one young man into marrying his daughter through natural means, and not with the magical prowess which other critics have attributed to the character. Initially, Salzman the matchmaker attempts to disguise his intent of reviving his career and marrying off the daughter by leading the young man into false relationships. Thus, the young man learns to desire what he would have found undesirable if Salzman had not made him compare his daughter with other women.
Pinye Salzman, the impoverished marriage broker in Ber...
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