Tradition and Independence

The entire story is centered on Rose’s love for Vlashkin. However, this love causes a rift between Rose’s upbringing and her desire for independence. On one hand, Rose’s mother is traditional, and Rose has been raised based on traditional Jewish principles. However, when she meets Vlashkin, the importance that she places on her traditional values is called into question. Throughout the story, Rose walks the line between tradition and independence, and Paley demonstrates this in various ways.

At the beginning of the story, Rose is portrayed as being adherent to her traditional values. This is evident through her decision to wear a “kerchief” (12) prescribed by her Jewish faith. However, Rose removes this kerchief at Vlashkin’s request. This shows that Vlashkin might be the reason for Rose’s divergence from her traditional values. When Rose removes the kerchief, she impulsively raises...