Holy Wedlock by Israel Zangwill

Name: Holy Wedlock
Author: Israel Zangwill

The novel explores the complexities of marriage and relationships through the story of a young couple, Rachel and her husband, who are struggling to maintain their love amidst societal pressures and personal differences. The narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the constraints placed on women in patriarchal societies. Through Rachel's inner turmoil and her interactions with those around her, the novel critiques the social norms that govern relationships and the expectations placed on individuals within them.

By Israel Zangwill · First published 1897 · Genre: Comedy, Satire, Romance · 4 chapters · 7,020 words

First lines

When Schneemann, the artist, returned from Rome to his native village in Galicia, he found it humming with gossip concerning his paternal grandmother, universally known as the _Bube_ Yenta. It would seem that the giddy old thing hobbled home from synagogue conversing with Yossel Mandelstein, the hunchback, and sometimes even offered the unshapely septuagenarian her snuffbox as he passed the door of her cottage. More than one village censor managed to acquaint the artist with the flirtation ere he had found energy to walk the muddy mile to her dwelling. Even his own mother came out strongly in disapproval of the ancient dame; perhaps the remembrance of how fanatically her mother-in-law had disapproved of her married head for not being shrouded in a pious wig lent zest to her tongue. The artist controlled his facial muscles, having learnt tolerance and Bohemianism in the Eternal City.

What this Textopian page supports

Holy Wedlock is listed on Textopian as a novel by Israel Zangwill, dated 1897 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Israel Zangwill
Date: 1897 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Satire, Romance, Cultural Fiction, Family Drama
Length: 7,020 words
Structure: 4 chapters, 150 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Holy Wedlock?
How does this novel by Israel Zangwill fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The narrative is filled with humorous situations and witty dialogue, particularly in the interactions between characters and the absurdity of the romantic entanglements.
Satire — The story satirizes societal norms and expectations, especially regarding marriage, age, and religious customs, highlighting the absurdity of gossip and social conventions.
Romance — The plot revolves around an unconventional romantic relationship between elderly characters, exploring themes of love and companionship in later life.
Cultural Fiction — The setting and characters are deeply rooted in Jewish culture and traditions, providing a rich backdrop that influences the story's events and character motivations.