The Sabbath-Breaker
The story revolves around a young Jewish man who becomes disillusioned with the strict observance of Sabbath laws and decides to break them. He faces opposition from his community and struggles with his own identity. The novel explores themes of tradition, morality, and individuality in a society where conformity is highly valued.
By Israel Zangwill · First published 1891 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Drama · 2,022 words
First lines
The moment came near for the Polish centenarian grandmother to die. From the doctor's statement it appeared she had only a bad quarter of an hour to live. Her attack had been sudden, and the grandchildren she loved to scold could not be present.
She had already battled through the great wave of pain, and was drifting beyond the boundaries of her earthly Refuge. The nurses, forgetting the trouble her querulousness and her overweening dietary scruples had cost them, hung over the bed on which the shrivelled entity lay. They did not know she was living again through the one great episode of her life.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sabbath-Breaker is listed on Textopian as a short story by Israel Zangwill, dated 1891 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Israel Zangwill
- Date: 1891 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Drama, Tragedy, Family Saga
- Length: 2,022 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sabbath-Breaker by Israel Zangwill
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sabbath-Breaker?
- How does this short story by Israel Zangwill fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Red Mark by Israel Zangwill
- Another Sheaf by John Galsworthy
- The Grandchildren Of The Ghetto by Israel Zangwill
- The Hirelings by Israel Zangwill
- The Hated Son by Honore De Balzac
- Bethulah by Israel Zangwill
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The story is set in a specific historical context, reflecting the cultural and religious practices of Polish Jews.
- Religious Fiction — The narrative revolves around the conflict between religious observance and personal duty, highlighting Jewish Sabbath laws.
- Drama — The plot is driven by intense emotional and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, creating a dramatic tension.
- Tragedy — The story concludes with the protagonist's failure to achieve her goal, resulting in a tragic outcome.
Tags
Social Commentary · Fiction · Realism · Jewish Literature · London Setting · 19th Century England · Urban Life · Class Struggle · Poverty · Immigration · Anti-Semitism · Societal Critique