Memorable Quotes from Chaim Topol
27 quotesThe Importance of Tradition in Anatevka
Tevye
Because of our traditions, we have kept our balance for many, many years. Here in Anatevka, we have traditions for everything: how to how to eat, how to sleep, how to wear clothes. For instance, we always keep our heads covered, and always wear a little prayer-shawl. This shows our constant devotion to God. You may ask, how did this tradition start? I'll tell you. I don't know. But it's a tradition. And because of our traditions, every one of us knows who he is, and what God expects him to do.
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Desire for Wealth Amidst Poverty
Tevye
It may sound like I'm complaining, but I'm not. After all, with Your help, I'm starving to death. Oh, dear Lord. You made many many poor people. I realize, of course, it's no shame to be poor... but it's no great honor either. So what would be so terrible... if I had a small fortune?
[to God]
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Questioning Divine Favor and Human Struggle
Tevye
I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can't You choose someone else?
[to God]
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Misattributed Quotes in a Conversation
Tevye
As Abraham said, "I am a stranger in a strange land...
Mendel
Moses said that.
Tevye
Ah. Well, as King David said, "I am slow of speech, and slow of tongue.
Mendel
That was also Moses.
Tevye
For a man who was slow of tongue, he talked a lot.
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The Importance of Tradition in Anatevka
Tevye
A fiddler on the roof. Sounds crazy, no? But, here, in our little village of Anatevka, every one of us is a fiddler on the roof trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune without breaking his neck. It isn't easy. You may ask, why do we stay here if it's so dangerous? We stay because Anatevka is our home. And how do we keep our balance? That I can tell you in one word: Tradition!
[Opening lines]
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Questioning Boundaries and Tradition
Tevye
Am I bothering You too much? I'm sorry. As the good book says... aaahh, why should I tell You what the Good Book says?
[to God]
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The Challenge of Different Love in Tradition
Tevye
As the Good Book says "Each shall seek his own kind". In other words, a bird may love a fish... but where would they build a home together?
[to Chava]
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The Emperor's Judgment on Ignorance and Danger
The Emperor Ming
Every thousand years, I test each life system in the Universe. I visit it with mysteries, earthquakes, unpredicted eclipses, strange craters in the wilderness... If these are taken as natural, I judge that system ignorant and harmless - I spare it. But if the Hand of Ming is recognized in these events, I judge that system dangerous to us. I call upon the great god Dyzan, and for his greater glory... and for our mutual pleasure... I destroy it utterly.
[leans forward, smiling; leans back again]
Dr. Hans Zarkov
You're saying... it's my fault the Earth is being destroyed?
The Emperor Ming
Precisely... Doctor!
[grinning]
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Tevye's Reflection on Divine Mischief
Tevye
Sometimes I wonder, when it gets too quiet up there, if You are thinking, "What kind of mischief can I play on My friend Tevye?
[to God]
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The Importance of Tradition in Life
Tevye
Traditions, traditions. Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as a fiddler on the roof!
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The Misunderstanding of a Cow's Name
Tevye
Pardon me, Lazar Wolfe, but how can a little cow keep you company?
Lazar Wolfe
Little Cow"?! is that what you call her?!
Tevye
What else am I to call her? She is a cow!
Lazar Wolfe
What are you talking about?
Tevye
No, what are you talking about?
Lazar Wolfe
No, what are you talking about?
Tevye
No, what are you talking about?
Lazar Wolfe
No, what are you talking about?
Tevye
The new milk cow you want to buy from me!
Lazar Wolfe
A milk cow! A milk cow so I won't be lonely!
[bursts out laughing]
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Reflections on Time and Growing Up
Tevye
Is this the little girl I carried? Is this the little boy at play?
[singing]
Golde
I don't remember growing older. When did they?
[singing]
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The Paradox of Poverty and Abundance
Tevye
As the good book says, when a poor man eats a chicken, one of them is sick.
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Consequences of Actions According to Tevye
Tevye
As the Good Book says, if you spit in the air, it lands in your face.
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Wealth and Justice in a Changing World
Perchik
In this world it is the wealthy who are criminals. Someday their wealth will be ours.
Tevye
That would be nice. If they would agree, I would agree.
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The Irony of Wealth and Misfortune
Perchik
Money is the world's curse.
Tevye
May the Lord smite me with it! And may I never recover!
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A Toast to Friendship and Respect
Lazar Wolfe
Have a drink?
Tevye
I won't insult you by saying no.
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Struggle Between Faith and Personal Beliefs
Tevye
On the other hand, how can I turn my back on my faith, my people? If I try and bend that far, I'll break. On the other hand... No. There is no other hand.
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Tevye's Expression of Anger
Tevye
When I get angry, even flies don't dare to fly!
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Interpretation of a Quotation's Meaning
Tevye
As the good book says, when a poor man eats a chicken, one of them is sick.
Mendel
Where does the book say that?
Tevye
Well, it doesn't say that exactly, but somewhere there is something about a chicken. Good Sabbath!
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Unexpected Compliments Across Cultural Divides
Constable
You're an honest, decent person. Even though you are a Jew.
Tevye
Oh... Thank you, your honor. How often does a man get a compliment like that?
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A Call to Action for the Children
Tevye
All right, children. Let's go.
[Last lines]
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Tevye Asserts His Authority in the Family
Tevye
Golde, I am the man in the family! I am the head of the house! And I want to see Motel's new machine now! Now let's go home!
[looks inside Motel's house for barely a second]
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Wit and Wisdom in Family Dynamics
Perchik
Your daughter has a quick and witty tongue.
Tevye
Yes, the wit she gets from me. As the good book says...
Golde
The good book can wait, get washed!
Tevye
The tongue she gets from her mother.
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Cultural Differences Highlighted in Humor
Tevye
Thank you, your honor. You are a good man. If I may say so, it's too bad you're not a Jew.
Constable
That's what I like about you, Tevye. You're always joking.
[laughs]
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Communication Gap Between Family Members
Lazar Wolfe
How is your brother-in-law? In America?
Tevye
Oh, he's doing very well.
Lazar Wolfe
Oh, he wrote you?
Tevye
No, not lately.
Lazar Wolfe
Then how do you know?
Tevye
If he was doing badly, he would write.
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Questioning Intentions in a Hostile Encounter
Dr. Hans Zarkov
We are only interested in friendship. Why do you attack us?
The Emperor Ming
Why not?
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