Language:
English
Year of publication:
2001
Titel der Quelle:
Leo Baeck Institute Year Book
Angaben zur Quelle:
46 (2001) 67-79
Keywords:
Grillparzer, Franz,
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism 1800-2000
;
History
;
Jews
;
Judaism Relations
;
Christianity
;
Christianity and other religions Judaism
;
Jews
Abstract:
Contends that one of the goals of Grillparzer's play was to criticize traditional Catholic attitudes toward Jews. "Die Jüdin von Toledo" was written in the wake of the Revolution of 1848, but it reflects views regarding the relationship between the Jews and the surrounding society in Metternich's Austria. This society still retained many prejudices against Jews; idealizing the pre-Napoleonic and even medieval past, it opposed Jewish civil rights and extolled Christian society, a society in which Jews cannot depend on protection before the law. In the play, the society which calls itself "Christian" murders the Jewess Rahel, and the king is unable to prevent the murder of his beloved. Remarkably, Grillparzer modified the plot taken from Lope de Vega by placing Rahel, instead of the king, at the heart of the play. The play ends with a call to both Christians and Jews for mercy and reconciliation.
DOI:
10.1093/leobaeck/46.1.67
URL:
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