Literature and Jewish Literature - Essay Example

On the other hand, readers reading the same literary work as a product of ‘literature’ may choose to perceive the work as illuminating broader forms and ideas. In her book, Elisa Albert makes it clear that she is an aspiring writer writing on Jewish themes, which is how she described herself after being asked by agents (179). This instantly creates a picture of Jewish-themed literature being read by the reader. Her later references to women attending shiva, which is a Jewish period of mourning, establish the essentially Jewish subject matter of her books.

Even Roth makes several references to Jewish concepts and terms which conjure up an image of a perceived Jewish novel (139). In the chapter, The Conversion of the Jews, the Jewish and the Christian contradictions in the status of Jesus are highlighted when Ozzie points out that Jesus was not God (Roth, 140). So, at several points in the two books, the readers are reminded of the Jewish essence in the themes. Albert particularly points out her identity as an aspiring writer who too, is essentially a Jewish writer writing on Jewish American novels centering her attention on women.

This demonstrates the inseparable nature of her Jewish literary identity from her writing career. References to Judaism are plenty and it is evident that Albert considers her style of writing as essentially Jewish. However, apart from the Jewish theme, Roth does not talk about his writings as a Jewish author although his work reflects a marked tinge of Judaism. Albert talks about her debut novel to Roth highlighting its great ideas. Albert can be observed to be speaking with great enthusiasm about her debut novel which supposedly has great ideas but which ironically is still finding a home.

It is amusing to see how Albert’s “great” novel has yet to be published (179). Also, her concept of the “Great American Jewish Novel” ironically presents a satirical account of women in the light of Jewish traditional contexts. 

While both books do contain theological references in their literary works, Roth’s work may not entirely qualify as Jewish literature despite several references to the literature because it seeks to present much deeper themes than the superficial theme of Judaism.