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How Does Leo Winkle Change Throughout The Story

Decent Essays

Leo Finkle’s Reveal

“The Magic Barrel” by Bernard Malamud describes the story of Leo Finkle, a rabbi who wants to find a wife, so he decides to go to a matchmaker, Salzman. During his search, he discovers more about himself. In the short story, the crisis occurs after Leo consults with Salzman, when realizing how critical he is of the different clienteles. Throughout the short story, Leo Finkle’s conflict is to find the perfect wife. However, in trying to find a woman, his criteria are not easily met. He ponders over the different women available, having conflicting ideas brought across to him such as widows, age gaps, and jobs. After the matchmaker arrives at his home, Salzman shows him the first clientele, Sophie P., a widow. Leo …show more content…

The idea of marrying a widow seems atrocious because he is expecting an unmarried woman. Leo understands that a widow is no different from any other woman, yet, the marriage destroys his image of an ideal wife. He does not want Sophie since she has been with another man and she has had other relationships. Although Salzman tries to convince him that a widow is one of the best to be with, Leo is still in firm position against meeting her. Disappointed by Leo’s choice, Salzman moves on to the next woman; Lily H., a thirty-two year old teacher. She has a stable job and life, but because of her age, she seems “a little too old” (311). Leo wants someone younger than him. No matter how accomplished a woman is, dating someone older than him is against his norm. Salzman tries to talk Leo into dating someone older, but it is futile. Eventually, Salzman moves onto Ruth K., the daughter of a stomach specialist. After Salzman talks about her, Leo is more interested in the father. He is not pleased with her because he despises “stomach specialist” (313). Although Salzman only says a few sentences about her father, he focuses on the Ruth’s father rather

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