Communication and Society in Jewish American Short Stories: Isaac Bashevis Singer, Bernard Malamud, Grace Paley and Philip Roth

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Is Jewish American literature multicultural literature?
• Isaac Bashevis Singer
  • Biographical Notes
  • The Little Shoemakers
  • The Cafeteria
• Bernard Malamud
  • Biographical Notes
  • The Mourners
  • Benefit Performance
• Grace Paley
  • Biographical Notes
  • The Loudest Voice
  • Listening
• Philip Roth
  • Biographical Notes
  • The Conversion of the Jews

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This paper examines the relationship between change and society in Jewish American short stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer, Bernard Malamud, Grace Paley, and Philip Roth. The analysis focuses on how these authors portray their characters' experiences of change and their connection to, or detachment from, the surrounding society. It investigates whether these characters are influenced by their cultural backgrounds, particularly their Eastern European heritage, and how they navigate the transition to American life. The paper also explores the complex dynamics of language and identity within the Jewish American community.

• The impact of change on individuals and their relationships with society
• The influence of cultural background and heritage on identity
• The role of language and its connection to Jewish American identity
• The representation of Jewish American experiences in short stories
• The unique atmosphere of New York City and its influence on the narratives

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The first chapter delves into the question of whether Jewish American literature can be categorized as multicultural literature, examining the shared experiences and challenges faced by various minority groups in America. It highlights the unique characteristics of Jewish American literature, including its diverse cultural backgrounds and the absence of a shared homeland, common history, or language. It also explores the complexities of language and identity within the Jewish American community, highlighting the significance of Yiddish and the challenges of writing in a mother tongue other than English.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This paper focuses on Jewish American literature, multiculturalism, identity, language, change, society, short stories, New York City, Isaac Bashevis Singer, Bernard Malamud, Grace Paley, and Philip Roth. Key themes include cultural adaptation, immigrant experiences, and the portrayal of Jewish American identity in a changing society.