"My Michael"

Analytical Essay # 5769

English > Analysis
Literature > World

"My Michael"

An analysis of the concept of time in the novel, "My Michael" by Amos Oz, with focus on the character of Hanna.

1,900 words () | 0 sources | 2001 United States

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Paper Summary:

This paper presents a critical analysis of Amos Oz's novel "My Michael". The relationship between Michael and Hanna are examined and how the concept of time is so different for them that it leads to some confusion. There is much symbolism in the novel and "time" is also present in these symbols though the use of nature - stars, moon cycles etc.

From the Paper:

"Amos Oz visits multiple themes throughout My Michael. One of the most important themes that he visits is the idea of time. Temporal tensions end up inevitably infusing themselves with her interactions with other characters, with the way she interacts with her fantasies, the way she views her personae, and the way culture acts upon her self-image. Not only that, but this temporal tension also rich in allusion with regard to Jewish history. In a sense the story almost has a feeling of William Carlos Williams, Patterson, where the lines blur between the city and the character. However, Oz's lines between Hannah and Jerusalem aren't nearly as distorted until the end. This is especially evident when Hannah is looking over Jerusalem from Kibitz Nof Harim, when she refers to the city as "she" when she laments about how she does not love Jerusalem from a distance. (Oz, 281) And later when she commands the twins to take siege on Jerusalem. (287) "