Zlateh the Goat

Aaron hears in Zlateh’s bleating a statement that conveys the moral of the story: “We must accept all that God gives us—heat, cold, hunger, satisfaction, light, and darkness” (419). Weaving his tale through Hanukkah, the holiday of miracles, Singer reveals the mysterious way God works through the characters’ conflicts and the miracles that arise out of hardships.

Reuven, a round character, is despondent and doubtful. The winter has been unusually warm, so the villagers have had little need to buy the fur garments he makes. He needs to provide for his family but has no control over the weather. Reuven’s problem exemplifies both internal and external conflicts. His decision to sell the family’s goat reveals that he doubts God will provide cold weather any time soon. In his reaction to this hardship, Reuven struggles to see past the bleak “desert” of his financial situation. Singer uses this moment of desperation to highlight the inner conflict that comes from making difficult choices. Despite his family’s lament, Reuven decides to sell the family goat: “She was old and gave little milk. Feyvel the town butcher had offered eight gulden for her” (414).