Series for Film Group Discussions

Clash of Lifestyles

JEWISH WOMEN: ENCOUNTERING CHANGE

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

•What is the external conflict depicted in each film, and what is the inner conflict within the woman at the film's center? In what way can it be seen as a Jewish conflict? In what way, American?

•What is the role of Judaism in the lives of the characters and how does it affect their decisions and struggles?

•Each film looks at American-Jewish life at a different time period. How does each portray Jewish life? What can be understood about the position of Jews in American society at the time? What are the strains? What transitions are occurring?

•How does each film look at the clash between the traditional Old World and modern Western ways?

•How does each film view the immigrant experience? Is it tragic, comic, both? How does each tally the gains and losses of this period for those who lived it?

•Why is the love story such a successful vehicle for examining the clash of values? How does this work in the films?

•In the film, how was the experience of women different from men? Did it change from Europe to America?

•Why do you think women are so central to these stories of change? How are they portrayed in these films? Are stereotypes reinforced or overturned?

Jewish Women Introduction

Selected Films

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