Yekl Summary

In the first chapter, "Jake and Yekl," the cloak shop is idle because the boss is on a quest for work. Jake lectures upon the comparative merits of Boston and New York while speaking in Boston Yiddish. He mentions his Christian friend in Boston before expostulating on boxing. His female listeners are more attentive to Jake's appearance and his reenactment of the boxing than his actual words. When Mr. Bernstein interjects that America is an educated country, everyone joins the conversation except the socialist. The conversation changes to baseball which causes a fight between Jake and the presser. Mr. Bernstein separates the two men and suggests that Jake spend his money on classes, to become educated, instead of bets. Mr. Bernstein is offended by Jake's retort which causes Jake to feel badly. Fanny asks Jake if he is going to Joe's dance class...