InfoTrac article #2 summary

In the critical essay "On the Roof and Off" by Stefan Canfer, he discusses how even though Fiddler on the Roof was about biblical references and a Jew, people all over the world, some that had never even seen a Jew, understood Tevye's story and struggles and could relate to him. Even though the play wasn't exactly a "musical megahit", it ran for 7 years. It showed modern day Jews their past, because many have forgotten about it. He explains how Stein made the difference clear between the small village Jews and the Cossacks that were out of control and were always breaking things and such. Canfer explains how the book is filled with archetypes and how the characters interact with eachother is key to the story. The songs in the book showed the breaks from tradition. Stein made it possible for this old story to still have meaning and attract readers in current times.