Our mothers are racked with the pains of our physical birth; we ourselves suffer the longer pains of our spiritual growth. Mary Antin birthgrowthlong Change image and share on social
The apex of my civic pride and personal contentment was reached on the bright September morning when I entered the public school. Mary Antin apexbrightcivic Change image and share on social
If education, culture, the higher life were shining things to be worshiped from afar, he had still a means left whereby he could draw one step nearer to them. Mary Antin afarculturedraw Change image and share on social
The first meal was an object lesson of much variety. My father produced several kinds of food, ready to eat, without any cooking, from little tin cans that had printing all over them. Mary Antin cancookeat Change image and share on social
There was one public school for boys, and one for girls, but Jewish children were admitted in limited numbers - only ten to a hundred; and even the lucky ones had their troubles. Mary Antin admitboychild Change image and share on social
The czar was always sending us commands - you shall not do this and you shall not do that - till there was very little left that we might do, except pay tribute and die. Mary Antin commandczardie Change image and share on social
One positive command he gave us: You shall love and honor your emperor. In every congregation a prayer must be said for the czar's health, or the chief of police would close the synagogue. Mary Antin chiefclosecommand Change image and share on social
On a royal birthday every house must fly a flag, or the owner would be dragged to a police station and be fined twenty-five rubles. Mary Antin birthdaydragfine Change image and share on social
His struggle for a bare living left him no time to take advantage of the public evening school. In time he learned to read, to follow a conversation or lecture; but he never learned to write correctly; and his pronunciation remains extremely foreign to this day. Mary Antin advantagebareconversation share on social
The czar always got his dues, no matter if it ruined a family. Mary Antin czarduefamily Change image and share on social
