The title of Anza Yezierska’s novel captures the starvation and subjugation forced on the female characters by the culturally sexist influences in their family. Bread symbolized money in the 20th Century. As Reb Smolinsky remained at home studying Torah, the daughters of the house worked to provide money for the family, all of which was given to Reb Smolinsky. Reb focuses his efforts solely on the objective of going to heaven and often gives alms to others, neglecting his own family. His overzealousness blinds him to his family’s needs, and thus he forces his daughters to be bread givers, rather than breadwinners.
Furthermore, the title highlights Sara’s struggle between her personal search for independence and her cultural and familial duties to her family. As a bread giver in her home, Sara cannot pursue her quest for knowledge. While attending college, she rarely visits her family unless there is a threat to her continuing her education. After Sara’s mother passes away, however, she comes full circle and brings her father back into her home. Her father’s return symbolizes the reconciling of her conflict; she learns to remain independent while still fulfilling her cultural duty as a bread giver.
