In this section, Alma makes a key point that I believe fits better with Leo's story than her own, but its presence in her story leads me to believe that it is an important theme in the book. The point is this:
"I'M AMERICAN!" (Krauss 97)
Or maybe the real point comes from her brother's retort:
"No you're not. You're Jewish." (Krauss 97)
Either way this part is an extension to my previous belief that a key point in this book is showing Jewish people's separation from the rest of America in this time. First, Alma is shouting that she's American because she would rather be that than whatever parts Israeli, Polish, Czech, Russian, German, or English she so chooses, which is the reality of her ethnicity according to her mom (and her genealogy). Second, her brother's clear mental distinction between American and Jewish also shows their separation. So even this girl who has family, and is not alone, is seemingly cut off from others; possibly it is based on real experiences, or possibly it is just a mental separation.
Just a quick thought from this section.
But what time period does it take place in? Certainly this might have been true at an earlier point in American history, but is it as convincing in the 90s or 00s, which is when the book takes place (at least according to my memory of it).
ReplyDeleteCertainly the characters deal with questions of how to define themselves, and what most defines them, which is the conflict I see at work here.
In my novel it includes a Muslim who now lives in America, and it is basically a fact that many Muslim's in America don't feel "as American" as those who are not Muslim. Do you think this is the same type of situation?
ReplyDeleteAs an immigrant myself, I can completely understand this point of the book and relate to it. Identity is a complex issue and often one of symbolic meaning. Personally, I think that only an individual can tell which groups they are a part, whether those groups be religious, cultural or in adherence to nationality. Often times one can even be part of several. The most difficult part, truly, is people such as Alma's brother who try to force others into categories for them, or worse, those in a group who refuse to recognize the fact that others are also part of that group.
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