"The Son From America"

Symbols - The money and Samuel's way of life represents how Samuel has changed since moving to America and new things. Berl and Berlcha symbolize the old ways of living and contentedness.

Plot - Exposition: We are introduced to Berl and his wife and the setting.
Inciting Event: Samuel arrives in Lentshin.
Rising Action: Samuel tries to help his mom with preparing for the Sabbath and they celebrate the Sabbath together.
Climax: Samuel asks his dad where the money is and he shows him.
Falling Action: Samuel talks to the old man in the synagogue.
Resolution: Samuel realizes you don't need money to be happy and Berlcha sings holy rhymes at the end of the story.

Protagonist - Samuel

Antagonist - Samuel

Conflict - Person vs. Self.

Summary - The story opens in the little village of Lentshin, Poland in the 1800s. We are introduced to Berl, an old traditional Jewish farmer, and his wife, Berlcha. They have a small farm and produce enough profit to be healthy, content, and keep their standard of living. Forty years ago, their then fifteen-year-old son, Samuel, had moved to America. Samuel has his own family now and even grandchildren that they did not know. Samuel sends his parents money every month but they do nothing with it, except save it in an old boot under the bed. One day, Samuel decides to visit his parents and sends them a cable, which they never receive. He shows up and unknowingly surprises his parents who are ecstatic at seeing him. Samuel asks what his parents did with the money he sent him and Berl shows him where they keep it. Samuel is shocked and asks why and they tell him that they don't need the money. While in Lentshin, Samuel tries to find a need for the money but is unsuccessful. Everyone is happy to keep living their uneventful lives and simply live on what they have and what God has already provided for them.

Theme - Not everyone needs or wants money to be happy and people can just simply be content with where they are and what their lives are.