The Jewish Symbolism of Duddy Kravitz
In the novel, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, by Mordechai Richler, the use of Jewish themes is prevelant and absolute. Richler manages to sustain a Jewish voice within a Jewish stereotype. He effectively turns what could be deemed proactive anti-semitism, into satirical and sardonic pro Jewish prose. The use of Yiddish in the novel is a major player in creating a realistic Jewish world as well as creating a pro Jewish sympathy for the Kravitz character. "Shixa", a moderatley degrading term for a non Jewish girl is applied liberally to anyone Duddy assumes is a rich bitch or just a dumb girl, as also is the term "goy," which is a general for a non Jewish caucasian. In the use of this mildly derogatory diction, Richler effectivelytuns the reader into a distrustful and wary analyser of any
and dynamic process. One will almost always return to one's cultural roots as they complete, but not create however, self. 'Gentillic' in his quest to purge himself of what in his mind he deems negative jew-ism. Lennie attends Mcgill University which in the novel(and in real life) is seen as a rich predominantly white clever literary tactic of which he describes the surroundings of the Jewish world and places important to the Jewish characters, but gives only meagre depiction of other; however important places. Duddy also begins his treasure hunt of 'advanced economics' through his dealings with the Jewish world. This prevelant stereotype of Jewish culture becomes ironically true in this novel.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Richler Jewish, Adolesence' Personified, Mcgill University, Jewish Populacefor, Lennie Lennie, Jewish Agenda, jewish world, , jewish roots, jewish culture, depiction jewish, jewish voice, pro jewish, richler jewish,
Approximate Word count = 548
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)
|