“The Jewbird” is a short story written by Bernard Malamud in 1963. The story revolves around a talking crow named Schwartz, who calls himself a Jewbird and seeks refuge in the apartment of the Cohen family. The story has been interpreted as an allegory about Jewish self-hatred, specifically the negative perception some Jewish people have towards their less-fortunate counterparts.
Malamud’s blending of magical realism and humor in “The Jewbird” effectively demonstrates the serious effects of bigotry and hatred. The story has been frequently anthologized and rarely fails to elicit sympathetic responses from readers. The talking bird’s plight and the Cohen family’s reaction to it highlight the importance of compassion and empathy towards marginalized groups.
Overall, “The Jewbird” is a thought-provoking story that explores themes of identity, self-hatred, and prejudice. Its allegorical nature allows for multiple interpretations and makes it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.
Background of ‘The Jewbird’
Bernard Malamud’s short story, “The Jewbird,” was first published in The Reporter on April 11, 1963. It is a darkly humorous and allegorical tale that revolves around a talking crow named Schwartz. The story has been interpreted as an allegory about Jewish self-hatred, specifically the negative perception some Jewish people have towards their less-fortunate counterparts.
Malamud’s works often combine realism and fantasy in ways that recall the tradition of Yiddish writers and artists such as Sholem Aleichem and Marc Chagall. “The Jewbird” is no exception. The story is set in a Brooklyn apartment and follows the interactions between the crow and a Jewish family who takes him in.
Throughout the story, Schwartz is depicted as a “Jewbird,” a bird who identifies as Jewish and seeks refuge with the family. However, the family’s initial hospitality towards Schwartz soon turns to resentment as they begin to see him as a nuisance. This resentment is compounded by Schwartz’s own insecurities about his identity as a “Jewbird.”
Overall, “The Jewbird” is a thought-provoking tale that explores themes of identity, belonging, and self-hatred. It is a testament to Malamud’s skill as a writer that he is able to tackle such complex themes in a story that is both humorous and poignant.
Main Themes and Allegory
Bernard Malamud’s “The Jewbird” is a short story that explores various themes, including racism, self-identity, and the struggle for acceptance. The story is an allegory that uses a bird as a metaphor for the Jewish people. The Jewbird, Schwartz, is a crow who identifies as a Jew and is discriminated against by the other birds, who represent society.
The story’s main themes are racism and discrimination. Schwartz is an outsider who is not accepted by the other birds because of his identity as a Jew. The other birds view him as different and inferior, and they treat him accordingly. This theme is a reflection of the real-world struggles of the Jewish people, who have faced discrimination throughout history.
Another theme in the story is self-identity. Schwartz struggles with his identity as a Jewbird, which reflects the struggle of many Jewish people to reconcile their cultural and religious identities with their place in society. The story suggests that self-acceptance is important for overcoming discrimination and finding a sense of belonging.
The allegory in “The Jewbird” is a powerful tool for exploring these themes. By using a bird as a metaphor for the Jewish people, Malamud is able to convey complex ideas in a simple and accessible way. The story shows how discrimination and prejudice can affect individuals and communities and offers a message of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, “The Jewbird” is a thought-provoking story that explores important themes through the use of allegory. It highlights the struggles of the Jewish people and offers a message of self-acceptance and resilience in the face of discrimination.
Character Analysis
The Jewbird is a short story written by Bernard Malamud that revolves around the character of Schwartz, a talking crow who calls himself a Jewbird. Schwartz is depicted as a bird who is fleeing from anti-Semitic persecution and seeks refuge in the home of the Cohen family. The character of Schwartz is an allegory for the Jewish people who have faced discrimination and persecution throughout history.
Harry Cohen, the father of the Cohen family, is depicted as an aggressive and hostile character who torments and persecutes Schwartz. His behavior towards Schwartz is symbolic of the anti-Semitic attitudes and actions that Jewish people have faced throughout history. In contrast, Maurie, the young son of the Cohen family, befriends Schwartz and treats him with kindness and compassion.
The character of Schwartz also represents the concept of self-hatred within the Jewish community. The story highlights how some Jewish people have internalized the negative stereotypes and discrimination that they have faced and have come to hate themselves and their own culture. Schwartz’s self-loathing is evident when he refers to himself as a Jewbird and when he tries to distance himself from his own identity.
Overall, the character analysis of The Jewbird reveals the complex themes and ideas that are explored in the story. Through the characters of Schwartz and the Cohen family, Malamud highlights the issues of discrimination, persecution, and self-hatred that have affected the Jewish community throughout history.
Symbolism in ‘The Jewbird’
The Jewbird, a short story by Bernard Malamud, is a powerful allegory that explores themes of identity, self-hatred, and persecution. The story is full of symbolism that adds depth and complexity to its meaning. Here are some of the key symbols in the story:
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The Crow: The crow is a symbol of the Jewish people, who are seen as outsiders and outcasts in society. The fact that the crow is also a bird of prey suggests that Jews are often seen as dangerous or threatening.
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The Sparrow: The sparrow represents the non-Jewish world, which is seen as weak and vulnerable. The fact that the sparrow is able to escape from the crow’s clutches suggests that non-Jews are able to protect themselves from Jewish influence.
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The Name: The fact that the crow is given the name Schwartz is significant. The name means “black” in German, which suggests that the crow is seen as an outsider in both Jewish and non-Jewish society.
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The Apartment: The apartment where the story takes place is a symbol of the Jewish ghetto, where Jews are forced to live in cramped and squalid conditions. The fact that the apartment is located in a run-down building suggests that Jews are often marginalized and neglected by society.
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The Mirror: The mirror is a symbol of self-reflection and self-awareness. The fact that the crow is able to see his own reflection in the mirror suggests that he is beginning to question his own identity and place in the world.
Overall, the symbols in ‘The Jewbird’ help to create a rich and complex allegory that explores important themes of identity, self-hatred, and persecution.
Literary Devices Used
The Jewbird by Bernard Malamud is an allegorical short story that employs various literary devices to convey its message. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the story is symbolism. The crow, Schwartz, represents the Jewish people, who are often considered outcasts by society. The bird’s appearance, behavior, and speech patterns are used to illustrate the struggles and hardships faced by the Jewish community.
Another literary device used in the story is irony. The story’s title, “The Jewbird,” suggests that the bird is a Jew. However, the bird is actually a crow that identifies as a Jew. This irony highlights the complexity of Jewish identity and the challenges faced by Jewish people who feel disconnected from their culture.
Malamud also uses humor to convey his message. The story’s dark humor helps to soften the impact of the story’s serious themes, making it more accessible to readers. The humor is also used to highlight the absurdity of prejudice and bigotry.
Lastly, Malamud uses allegory to convey the story’s message. The story’s characters and events are not meant to be taken literally but instead represent larger ideas and themes. The Jewbird is an allegory for Jewish self-hatred and the negative perception some Jewish people have towards their less-fortunate counterparts.
Overall, the literary devices used in The Jewbird help to create a powerful and thought-provoking story that highlights the struggles faced by the Jewish community.
Reception and Critical Analysis
The Jewbird has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1963. Many literary scholars have praised the story’s use of magical realism and allegory to explore complex themes of identity, self-hatred, and bigotry.
In a 2015 article for The New Yorker, writer and critic James Wood noted that “The Jewbird is a darkly funny story, but it is also a deeply serious one, about the way in which we construct and deconstruct our own identities.” Wood praised Malamud’s use of language and imagery, calling the story “a masterpiece of allegory and social commentary.”
Other critics have focused on the story’s exploration of Jewish self-hatred and the impact of anti-Semitism on Jewish identity. In a 2018 essay for The Paris Review, writer and scholar Ruth Franklin argued that “The Jewbird is a powerful allegory for the experience of Jewishness in America, and for the ways in which Jewish identity is shaped by both internal and external forces.”
Overall, The Jewbird continues to be celebrated as a masterful work of short fiction, one that offers insight into the complexities of identity and the impact of bigotry on marginalized communities.
Comparisons to Other Works
When it comes to allegorical short stories, there are many works that can be compared to “The Jewbird” by Bernard Malamud. One such work is Franz Kafka’s “The Metamorphosis,” which also features a protagonist who is transformed into an animal. In both stories, the transformation is used to explore themes of identity, alienation, and the human condition.
Another work that can be compared to “The Jewbird” is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm.” Both stories use animals as stand-ins for human characters, and both explore themes of power, corruption, and the dangers of totalitarianism. However, while “Animal Farm” is a political allegory, “The Jewbird” is a more personal one, exploring the experiences of a single character rather than the fate of an entire society.
Finally, “The Jewbird” can also be compared to Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings.” Both stories blend elements of magical realism with social commentary, and both explore themes of otherness, prejudice, and the nature of humanity. However, while “A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings” is a more fantastical story, “The Jewbird” is rooted in a more realistic setting, making it a more grounded and relatable allegory.
The Story’s Relevance Today
Bernard Malamud’s “The Jewbird” is a timeless allegory that continues to resonate with readers today. The story’s exploration of the negative perception some Jewish people have towards their own community remains relevant in contemporary society. In a world where discrimination and prejudice still exist, this story serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance and understanding.
The story also highlights the dangers of self-hatred and the impact it can have on individuals and communities. It is a powerful reminder of the need to embrace one’s identity and culture, rather than rejecting it out of fear or insecurity. This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where many individuals struggle with issues of identity and belonging.
Overall, “The Jewbird” is a thought-provoking allegory that continues to be relevant today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and self-love, and remains an important work in the canon of Jewish literature.