im she is able to free herself from all social fears and begin a new life.Dr. Harry Hyman becomes the catalyst for both Philip and Sylvia to change the way they live their life. He is a very open-minded Jew who sees things the way they are and has a sense of humor about ethnicity and class. Even though Philip thought that he married a non-Jewish lady to hide his race. Hyman is the one person who is not leading the life of a lie. He is never running away from or trying to be something he isnt. He takes his life for what it is. I think his wife gave one of the most influential quotes of the movie, Sometimes you got to take your hand, lay them on the table, and play the best cards possible. Harry, even in the end gets Philip to change his mind by saying, We are all born afraid, and how we deal with fear is what counts. Unfortunately, these words come too late.As both Philip and Sylvia lay in separate beds, in separate rooms, both are ready to free themselves from all prior fears and denials. Philips last moments in his life are his best. He gains a sense of humor as he laughs about Chinese Jews and Jews in love with horses. Harrys wife says, We finally found a sense of humor in you, as Philip answers, I finally figured out the joke. Philip was truly ready to look himself in the mirror and love his face. Tragically, Sylvias standing up symbolizes the start of her new life, while Philips change of heart is already too late. Ironically, this time, Phillip is the one asking for forgiveness....
