Language:
English
Year of publication:
1996
Titel der Quelle:
Studies in American Jewish Literature
Angaben zur Quelle:
15 (1996) 73-77
Keywords:
Twain, Mark,
;
Antisemitism in literature
;
American literature History and criticism
Abstract:
In his writings about Jews, Mark Twain expressed antisemitic stereotypes current in his day. In "The Innocents Abroad" (1869), "Stirring Times in Austria" (1897), and "Concerning the Jews" (1898), Twain expressed the genetic antisemitism prevalent at the end of the 19th century. Analyzes the essay "Concerning the Jews, " stating that while Twain ostensibly attempts to reverse antisemitic stereotypes, he in fact reinforces them. Throughout the essay, Twain links the Jew's intellect to his capitalistic success, and ergo, antisemitism is the envy of that success. Focusing on the Jewish brain, he contends that the Jew is so cunning that he cannot be left to his own political autonomy, and that cultural assimilation is the only way the Jew can achieve acceptance. A response by Dan Vogel ["Studies in American Jewish Literature" 17 (1998) 152-155] states that Twain was not antisemitic, and that he actually admired Jewish financial prowess. His "Concerning the Jews" is a satire directed at Christians, exhorting them to examine their own shortcomings instead of complaining about Jewish superiority.
Description / Table of Contents:
Vogel, Dan. Concerning Mark Twain's Jews. Ibid. 17 (1998) 152-155.
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