'A Jew cannot be defined by religion, race, or national identity: one is a Jew if a Gentile says one is a Jew.' (Lawrence D. Lowenthal)

Dossier / Travail , 2005 , 6 Pages , Note: 1

Philologie Anglaise - Littérature

This essay examines what it means to be Jewish, and will give further details about the different definitions of Jewishness found especially in America. It looks at the way Jewishness is presented in Arthur Miller’s novelFocus,and it examines whether Lowenthal’s definition of Jewishness is affirmed or challenged by novel.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Definitions of Jewishness
• Jewishness in Arthur Miller's Focus
• Does Arthur Miller's Focus affirm or challenge Lowenthal's view of Jewishness?

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This essay examines the multifaceted nature of Jewish identity, exploring various definitions and their application in American society. It then analyzes how Jewishness is portrayed in Arthur Miller's novel "Focus," specifically focusing on the protagonist's experiences and how they relate to the definition of Jewishness proposed by Lawrence D. Lowenthal.

• Definitions of Jewish Identity
• The Impact of Anti-Semitism on Self-Perception
• The Role of Perception in Constructing Identity
• The Intersection of Prejudice and Identity
• The Cultural and Historical Context of Jewish Identity

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: This chapter introduces Arthur Miller's novel "Focus," highlighting the protagonist, Lawrence Newman, and his prejudiced views towards Jews. It also mentions Miller's personal experiences with anti-Semitism, which likely influenced his writing.
• Definitions of Jewishness: This chapter examines various definitions of Jewish identity, highlighting the fluidity and complexity of the concept. It discusses perspectives from different scholars and explores the evolving nature of Jewish identity in America, particularly in the post-war era.
• Jewishness in Arthur Miller's Focus: This chapter analyzes how Jewishness is portrayed in the novel "Focus." It examines Lawrence Newman's initial aversion to being perceived as Jewish and the transformation he undergoes as he experiences anti-Semitism firsthand. The chapter also discusses the role of Gertrude Hart in challenging Newman's perceptions.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This essay focuses on key concepts related to Jewish identity, including anti-Semitism, perception, self-perception, prejudice, cultural identity, and the impact of societal views on individual experiences.

• Université: University of Southampton
• Cours: Jewish Fiction
• Note: 1
• Auteur: Lenka Eiermann (Auteur)
• Année de publication: 2005
• Pages: 6
• N° de catalogue: V47313
• ISBN (ebook): 9783638442886
• Langue: anglais
• mots-clé: Gentile, Lowenthal), Jewish, Fiction, Jüdische Literatur, Arthur Miller