Lily Featherstone

Ms. Nochomovitz, Ms. Davidow 

US Experience FIQWS 10115

November 5th, 2024 

Literary Analysis of The Loudest Voice

The short story “The Loudest Voice” by Grace Paley follows a Jewish family living in New York City during the 1930s. The daughter, Shirley, is recognized by a teacher at her school for having a particularly loud voice, which earns her a spot in the school Christmas play. Although Shirley is excited about her part, her mother — along with other members of the community — is opposed to her and their own children participating in the play. This conflict highlights the issue of finding a balance between accepting different religions while still practicing your own. Through the use of literary devices such as dialogue and symbolism, Paley suggests that religion is a spectrum, and that people’s perspectives can change.

Paley uses character dialogue to reveal contrasting opinions on embracing the traditions of other religions, particularly through the characters of Shirley’s mother and father. When her daughter is selected for the school Christmas play, Shirley’s mother immediately expresses disapproval. As a firm believer that Jews should not partake in Christmas festivities, she is shocked to see her fellow Jewish neighbors “tra-la-la[ing] for Christmas” (3). This highlights her surprise and discomfort at seeing others in her community participating in what she views as a non-Jewish, Christian holiday tradition. Her reaction reflects her own religious identity and resistance to integrating aspects of a different culture. She had hoped that her Jewish community would share her stance on avoiding assimilation into customs that do not align with their faith. In contrast, Shirley’s father shows a more open attitude toward religious diversity. Rather than complying with his wife’s firm beliefs, he embraces the Christmas spirit. When Shirley’s mother continues to protest, he responds by insisting that “history teaches all” (4), suggesting that everyone can benefit from observing or participating in other religious customs, regardless of their identity. His jokingly shouted “ho ho ho” (4) further emphasizes his belief that there is no harm in participating in Christmas celebrations and that it does not make them any less Jewish. Observing other cultural practices only presents an opportunity to learn and broaden their perspectives as a family. His statement challenges his wife’s narrow point of view, encouraging her to embrace the potential growth that may come from being open to other cultures.

Symbolism is used to show differing opinions regarding the spread of Christmas traditions in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood. When Christmas decorations begin to go up, some members of the community make their displeasure clear. When the colorful Christmas lights are displayed, the Jewish butcher “pulled down black window shades” (4) to prevent the lights from shining on his chickens. The chickens most likely won’t be affected by the lights, but the butcher does not want to see any trace of Christmas on his Jewish-owned store, making his stance on Christmas very evident. This shows his unwillingness and inability to accept other religious traditions, in line with the views of his neighbors. The black curtains symbolize a clear rejection of Christmas in a predominantly Jewish area, reflecting the butcher’s personal belief that Christian customs should not be forced onto a community that does not share them. On the opposite end of the spectrum, when Shirley sees the new lights and decorations, she appears to be delighted by the Christmas spirit around her. Although she is in favor of the newly put-up Christmas tree, she feels it is “a stranger in Egypt” (4), with Shirley being the tree’s only supporter. Despite the tree being out of place, Shirley “tossed a kiss of tolerance” (4) to show her approval and support of the seemingly unwanted tree. Shirley feels no bias toward the Christmas decorations, even enjoying them in passing. This highlights the fact that, although Shirley is a child, her perspective on religion is broader than the majority of adults around her. Unlike other members of her community, Shirley feels no dislike toward the newly spread Christmas traditions in her neighborhood.

The author continues to use symbolism to further elaborate on the readers’ understanding of shifting perspectives on religious and cultural integration. As the performance date approaches, Shirley’s mother remains loyal to her beliefs, continuing to voice her disapproval of blending religious customs and how it interferes with their family’s Jewish identity. However, when the performance comes, Shirley’s mother attends, despite feeling “embarrassed” (5) to be there. Her embarrassment signifies her internal struggle between her loyalty to her own Jewish identity and her willingness to be open and show up for her daughter. Her choice to be present demonstrates her willingness to put her beliefs aside and perhaps learn something from watching her daughter perform. After the play ends and Shirley and her family return home, she sits in her room reflecting on the night as she overhears her parents’ assessment of the play in the kitchen. After listening in on their reviews, Shirley decides it’s time to go to bed. Before she sleeps, Shirley kneels down on the floor, making a “little church” (6) with her hands and stating, “Hear’ O Israel” (6) as she kneels to pray. This is a pivotal moment, as Shirley connects the two religions without conflict, showing that it is possible to practice one religion while still being willing to accept another.

Through the use of literary devices such as dialogue and symbolism, Paley skillfully illustrates the changing religious views within Shirley’s family, demonstrating that religion is not fixed and that opinions can change with a willingness to appreciate other cultures. The contrasting dialogue between Shirley’s parents reveals their differing approaches to cultural and religious assimilation, showing that not all people practicing a religion are the same, and anyone’s viewpoint can evolve.