Goodbye Columbus

A defining and repeated theme of Roth’s collection, Goodbye, Columbus, is the strong family bonds that exist between parents or parent figures and their children. Each of these stories follows Jewish characters, and their relationships illuminate the importance of family in Jewish communities. In the titular story, “Goodbye, Columbus,” protagonist Neil witnesses the Patimkins’ commitment to their children as well as both their critical and forgiving nature. Brenda’s mother continues to be overbearing toward her, but her father is kind and patient with his eldest daughter. Mr. Patimkin’s commitment to Brenda is further proven in his actions and words following the discovery of her diaphragm by Mrs. Patimkin. He writes a letter to Brenda before his wife can, and in it, he affirms his love for her and her place in the family: “You have to have faith in your children like in a Business or any serious undertaking and there is nothing that is so bad that we can’t forgive especially when Our own flesh and blood is involved” (127). While Mrs. Patimkin condemns and shames her daughter for the diaphragm, Mr. Patimkin approaches her immediately with kindness, saying that the fact that they are family is most important.