Isaac Bashevis Singer

Paper Summary:

The paper discusses the conflict between religion and worldliness, or between the pure and impure in three stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer. The paper examines how the difference between purity and impurity, or religion and worldliness, is quite apparent in these stories. The paper further discusses how Singer teaches his readers a lesson using charming characters, wit, and some tongue-in-cheek good humor. The writer concludes that reading these stories gives a glimpse into Jewish folk life, Jewish roots, and most of all, the feelings about purity and piety that endure in any and all religions.

From the Paper:

"Gimpel is a victim, and yet, there is something about him that does not seem like a victim. He allows the people around him to take advantage of him, and he even revels in it. However, he is never pathetic. It is clear he has an inner core of strength and purity, and so, the reader admires his patience and courage. They also admire his wisdom, for he really is no fool at all. He says of his unhappy marriage, "But I'm the type that bears it and says nothing. What's one to do? Shoulders are from God, and burdens too" (Gimpel 11). Gimpel's patience comes from his pure and forgiving heart, and so he is a model of piety and purity. He is truly good, and that is why the people have to torment him so - they are not used to having such a good, decent person in their midst. They can only see the evil and negative in the world, and so they have to torment the goodness out of Gimpel, but they cannot."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Singer, Isaac Bashevis. Enemies, A Love Story. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1972.
• Singer, Isaac Bashevis . "Gimpel the Fool." Gimpel the Fool: And Other Stories. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1957. 3-21.
• Singer, Isaac Bashevis. "The Gentleman From Cracow." Gimpel the Fool: And Other Stories. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1957. 23-44.

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