In Grace Paley’s story, "Zagrowsky Tells," the narrative unfolds through the eyes of a retired Jewish pharmacist, Zagrowsky, who is portrayed in a park alongside his black grandson, Emanuel. The tale revisits the character of Faith, a familiar presence in Paley’s works, albeit in a less central and flattering role. The story intricately weaves themes of family, racial identity, and personal reflection, with Zagrowsky confronting the complexities of his past and present relationships.

The Meeting

Faith, an old acquaintance from Zagrowsky’s days as a pharmacist, unexpectedly approaches him after years of separation. She questions him about Emanuel, intrigued by the presence of a black child with Zagrowsky. This encounter leads Zagrowsky to recount the convoluted journey that resulted in his having a black grandson. Their conversation turns deeper as they reminisce about their shared community history, during which Zagrowsky is reminded of past grievances involving Faith's accusations of his racist behavior. Though he refutes these claims, asserting that he was never prejudiced, Faith persists in her belief that he subtly discriminated against his black customers. Stepping beyond this tension, Faith encourages him to speak about Emanuel, prompting Zagrowsky to divulge the story of his daughter Cissy’s struggles. Suffering from mental illness and residing in an institution, Cissy became pregnant by a black gardener, leading to the birth of Emanuel. Now, Cissy lives with Zagrowsky, relying on him and his wife to raise her child.

Faith's Advice and Zagrowsky's Dismay

After hearing this poignant backstory, Faith attempts to offer guidance on nurturing Emanuel's racial identity. However, her well-meaning advice irritates Zagrowsky, prompting him to dismiss her angrily. Consumed by frustration and confusion, he misdirects his anger towards an unsuspecting man who approaches him to compliment and inquire about Emanuel. Faith, sensing Zagrowsky's discomfort, returns accompanied by her friends to deflect the intruder and support Zagrowsky, leading to a warm farewell between them. Despite the apparent resolution, Zagrowsky remains alone with Emanuel, unsure of the implications of their conversation.

The Dual Narratives

"Zagrowsky Tells" is essentially a juxtaposition of two interwoven stories. One is the outward narrative of Zagrowsky and Emanuel’s history, a tale laden with unspoken pain and meaning hidden in the unsaid. Zagrowsky grapples with complex truths — his prejudice, failures in family roles, and barriers in communication. Here, he opts to express himself through straightforward facts.

An Inner Reflection

The secondary layer of the narrative is the internal reflection Zagrowsky shares with the reader. This tale, told in the immediate first-person present, couples the outward events of the park encounters with his introspective monologue. As he interacts with Faith and cares for Emanuel, his mind drifts through observations, judgments, and memories, thereby revealing a fuller picture of his reality. Paley skillfully portrays the inner struggles of a confused, aged man dealing with the ironies of life.

Empathy and Redemption

Paley masterfully crafts a nuanced view of Zagrowsky, inviting reader empathy through her generous portrayal. The case against him isn’t straightforward; his racial bias, though real, isn’t rooted in malice. He is a figure one can sympathize with, as he draws parallels between the histories of black and Jewish communities and expresses a genuine wish to act honorably. Despite his years of guilt and shame, he acknowledges the irreversible past and values the act of speaking out. "Tell!" he insists, "That opens up the congestion a little—the lungs are for breathing, not secrets."

Transformation through Compassion

The story's emotional depth and potential for redemption lie not in defending past actions but in embracing the compassionate truth of Zagrowsky’s present life. Faced with Cissy’s mental health struggles and Mrs. Zagrowsky’s constraints,...