In this essay, Petrusso discusses the breakdown of tradition in Fiddler on the Roof.

In Fiddler on the Roof, tradition is an important theme, defining the lifestyle of Jews living in Anatevka, Russia, in 1905. As the dairyman Tevye says to the audience in the prologue to Act I, "Because of our traditions, we've kept our balance for many, many years. Because of our traditions, everyone knows who he is and what God expects him to do." Such traditions define every facet of Jewish life, including how young girls find husbands. But traditions that have not changed for many years are challenged in Fiddler on the Roof. Tevye, especially, is forced to accept change—as well as force change himself. Most of these changes are related to marrying off his daughters but not all. Tradition is challenged in Fiddler on the Roof, primarily through Tevye and his daughters...