It's odd that after his daughter's death, Frimme Hersh, rather than sitting shiva and continuing to be Orthodox, does everything Judaism dictates he shouldn't. Usually when a Jewish family loses someone, they set a date and lots of people (friends, family, etc.) come over (ideally with food) and commemorate the person and comfort the family of the deceased. It's meant to serve as a distraction from the pain and an opportunity for people in the community to help out. For example, if some kids lost their mom, people in the neighborhood might make some soup and freeze it so that the children wouldn't have to cook while having to cope with not having their parent around.
Anyway, Frimme shaves his beard (that's a big deal for Orthodox Jews). He focuses on money. He has romantic affairs with a nonjewish woman. Perhaps he is saying, No! I reject this life! You (God) killed my daughter! Forget you! I'm starting over!
He goes from a happy, helpful guy to someone bitter and vengeful. He doesn't even get along with his girlfriend. He rejects his former self, angry at God and frustrated that life is not always good. The story continues, though, and his life does begin to look up. The author ends Frimme's life on a happy(ish) note- business was going well and he had just made a generous donation to the synagogue. It was ominous also,suggesting that the boy who finds the contract is doomed to be just like Frimme was; however, perhaps the intention was instead to steer him back on track (he was throwing rocks at some bullies when he found the stone with Frimme's contract).
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