“What do these children do without story books?" Naftali asked.And Reb Zebulun replied: "They have to make do. Storybooks aren't bread. You can live without them.""I couldn't live without them." Naftali said.”
Quote Analysis
In this quote from Issac Bashevis Singer, Naftali raises the question of what children do without story books, to which Reb Zebulun responds by stating that they have to make do as storybooks are not essential for survival like bread. Naftali, however, disagrees and asserts that he couldn't live without storybooks. This exchange highlights the different values individuals place on storytelling and literature, with Naftali emphasizing the significant impact that stories have on his life. It underscores the power of storytelling to enrich our lives and provide us with meaning and escape from reality.
The Value of Storybooks in Modern Society
In this quote from Issac Bashevis Singer's work, the characters discuss the importance of storybooks in their lives. While Reb Zebulun argues that storybooks are not essential like bread, Naftali vehemently disagrees, stating that he couldn't live without them. This conversation highlights the modern relevance of the role of storybooks in shaping imagination, fostering empathy, and promoting literacy in today's society.
Conversation about Story Books
"What do these children do without story books?" Naftali asked. And Reb Zebulun replied: "They have to make do. Storybooks aren't bread. You can live without them." "I couldn't live without them," Naftali said. - Issac Bashevis Singer
Reflection Questions:
In this passage from Isaac Bashevis Singer's work, the characters Naftali and Reb Zebulun have differing opinions on the importance of storybooks. This prompts the reader to consider the significance of reading and storytelling in one's life. Reflect on the following questions to explore your own thoughts on the matter:
- How important are storybooks in your life?
- What role do storybooks play in shaping your perspective or imagination?
- Do you agree with Reb Zebulun's statement that storybooks are not essential for survival?
- How does Naftali's response challenge the notion that storybooks are not necessary for life?
- What do you think would be lost if storybooks were no longer available to children?
- In what ways do storybooks enrich our lives and offer unique experiences that cannot be replaced by other means?
Similar quotes
“What do these children do without storybooks?" Naftali asked. And Reb Zebulun replied: "They have to make do. Storybooks aren't bread. You can live without them." I couldn't live without them." Naftali said.”
“And do you know, do you know that mankind can live without the Englishman, it can live without Germany, it can live only too well without the Russian man, it can live without science, without bread, and it only cannot live without beauty, for then there would be nothing at all to do in the world! The whole secret is here, the whole of history is here. Science itself would not stand for a minute without beauty”
“Books are masters who instruct us without rods or ferules, without words or anger, without bread or money. If you approach them, they are not asleep; If you seek them, they do not hide; If you blunder, they do not scold; if you are ignorant, they do not laugh at you.”
“There are lives I can imagine without children but none of them have the same laughter & noise.”
“I hope you find someone you can't live without.I really do. And I hope you never have to know what it's like to have to try and live without them.”