The First Seven Years
Subject- “The First Seven Years” is a short story about a father’s love for his daughter. It shows how that love can be both good and bad for children. In this story, Feld, a shoemaker, wishes to set up his daughter with a young, educated, handsome man that goes into his store often. Feld spends more time trying to do what he thinks is right, but actually overlooks what really is right for his daughter. He finally sees his mistake, but instead of fixing it himself, he allows his daughter to decide what is right for herself.
Theme- When parents try their hardest to do what is best for their children, sometimes it would have been best if they just let their kids figure it out for themselves.
Style- The author’s style in this story is to try and reveal how things aren’t what they always seem to be. He writes this in a way that forces the reader to feel sympathy for a character that is talked about very little. Malamud used a rare style, in that the main conflict happens to one of the “supporting” characters.
Characters- The main character in this short story would be Feld, the shoemaker. Feld has a daughter, Miriam, who he is trying to fix up with Max, who is a school boy and the son of a peddler. Feld also employs Sobel, who is trying to win the heart of Miriam.
Setting- The story takes place in a small town, in a middle-class community. It is the middle of winter, and travel is difficult. Feld owns his own shoe shop, and employs only one other man. Later in the story, it also brings you to Feld’s house, and Sobel’s house.
Plot- Feld, the shoemaker, owns his own business, and employs Sobel. One of Feld’s most consistent customers, Max, is a young boy that attends college. Feld feels as if Max should start to date Miriam, in hopes that he will get the son he never had. He tries to set them up, but it doesn’t seem to work out. Sobel quits his position at the shop because he loves Miriam, and Feld doesn’t realize it. He hires another man, but this worker steals and does a poor job. Finally, Feld decides that he needs Sobel back at his work, so he goes to find out why he left. He discovers Sobel’s love for Miriam. Feld tells him to wait two more years and then he would have the blessings to talk with Miriam. The story ends like this, leaving the reader guessing as to what will happen next.