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Mrs. Van Buren
A Romanian Jewish fabric seller. It's unclear how long he's been in New York, but he's relatively young and likely immigrated to the U.S. sometime in the last ten years. Mr. Marks is a bright and passionate man; he loves beautiful fabrics and the stories he learns about them. He knows that Esther shares this passion, and he's often able to sell her fabric that she insists she doesn't need by sharing the stories with her. An observant Orthodox Jew, Mr. Marks is dedicated to upholding the rules of his religion and often explains these rules to Esther. For instance, he cannot wear colors aside from black, and cannot touch women who aren't his wife or family members. He also has a fiancée at home in Romania, whom he's never met—but whom he will, in theory, send for when his shop is doing well enough to support a family. This seems an almost impossible goal, however, as Mr. Marks notes that he's losing clients, and he's poor enough to have to sleep in his shop. The cultural differences pose problems for Esther and Mr. Marks, as the two are very attracted to each other but can never be together. After Esther's marriage to George fails, Mr. Marks does accept Esther's gift of the smoking jacket she initially made for George, puts on the colorful garment, and allows Esther to touch him and smooth the lapels.
Mr. Marks Quotes in Intimate Apparel
The Intimate Apparel quotes below are all either spoken by Mr. Marks or refer to Mr. Marks. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Act 1, Scene 5
Quotes
Esther: But this is a new country.
Marks: But we come with our pockets stuffed, yes. We don't throw away nothing for fear we might need it later...I wear my father's suit. It is old, I know, but this simple black fabric is my most favorite. Why? Because when I wear it, it reminds me that I live every day with a relationship to my ancestors and to God.
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Act 2, Scene 1
Quotes
George: What is it?
Esther: It's Japanese silk. Put it on. (George clumsily pulls the smoking jacket around his muscular body. He clearly isn't comfortable with the delicacy of the garment.) Careful. (George explores the jacket with his weather-worn fingers.) It ain't too small?
George: Nah. But I afraid, I soil it. (George removes the jacket and tosses it on the bed.)
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Mr. Marks Quotes in Intimate Apparel
The Intimate Apparel quotes below are all either spoken by Mr. Marks or refer to Mr. Marks. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Act 1, Scene 5
Quotes
Esther: But this is a new country.
Marks: But we come with our pockets stuffed, yes. We don't throw away nothing for fear we might need it later...I wear my father's suit. It is old, I know, but this simple black fabric is my most favorite. Why? Because when I wear it, it reminds me that I live every day with a relationship to my ancestors and to God.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
Act 2, Scene 1
Quotes
George: What is it?
Esther: It's Japanese silk. Put it on. (George clumsily pulls the smoking jacket around his muscular body. He clearly isn't comfortable with the delicacy of the garment.) Careful. (George explores the jacket with his weather-worn fingers.) It ain't too small?
George: Nah. But I afraid, I soil it. (George removes the jacket and tosses it on the bed.)
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Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
