Act 2, Scene 1 Summary

We are still outside Tevye's house, but it is afternoon. Hodel enters unhappily and is followed by Perchik, who is begging her not to be upset.

Hodel asks why she should be upset since he's leaving. Perchik tries to explain that they expect him Kiev by the next morning. Hodel wishes him a curt good bye. Perchik continues to tell her that the country is going through enormous changes that can't happen by themselves. Jews and Gentiles alike hate what is happening. Hodel is still short with him.

Perchik is frustrated. He feels that what happened at her sister's wedding is a sign of the violence happening all over the country. It was only a precursor of more to come. He asks if she understands this, and Hodel begins to relent.

However, Perchik has a political question he wants to discuss...