Act 2, Scene 3 Summary

We are at the railroad station outside, Hodel walks in, followed by her father who is carrying her suitcase. Hodel tells him that he doesn't have to wait. He'll be late for his customers. Tevye feels that he can wait for a little while. He asks to confirm that Perchik was arrested and convicted. Hodel defends him, saying that he did nothing wrong. Tevye is doubtful—why is he in trouble if he didn't do anything wrong? Hodel reminds him of Joseph, Abraham and Moses who all were in trouble at some point after not doing anything wrong.

Tevye asks where Perchik is right now, and Hodel explains that he is very far away, in Siberia. He didn't ask her to come; she wants to go to be with him and help him in his work. Hodel sings to Tevye, trying...