The Burden of Tradition and the Challenges of the Present in Philip Roth's Defender of the Faith. Bandici, Adina // Scientific Journal of Humanistic Studies;Mar2015, Vol. 7 Issue 12, p33 The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the conflict between two different approaches to faith in Philip Roth's short story Defender of the Faith. “Defender of the Faith.” Goodbye, Columbus and Five Short Stories. New York: Modern Library, 1995. N MAY of 1945, only a few weeks.
Defender of the Faith was released in 1959 in a collection of stories titled Goodbye, Columbus. Defender of the Faith is considered to be the best part of the collection because it explores the conflict between personal feelings and religious loyalty, rather than exploiting, as Roth had done previously. The Defender of the Faith explores Sergeant Nathan Marx’s confrontations and dealings with a new trainee, Sheldon Grossbart, who believes his Jewish connection with Marx will enable him to special privileges and treatment during his time in training.
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- Roth’s “Defender of the Faith,” from his 1959 collection Goodbye, Columbus and Five Short Stories, is the tale of a Jewish kid who is not only flawed but self-serving, manipulative, and frankly repulsive. Stuck in Missouri for basic training during the Second World War, Private Sheldon Grossbart is a grotesque reflection of everything.
- “Defender of the Faith” (Philip Roth) “The Guest” (Albert Camus) “The Japanese Quince” (John Galsworthy) Core Poems: “Dulce et Decorum Est” (Wilfred Owen) “Mending Wall” (Robert Frost) “My Last Duchess” (Robert Browning) “That Time of Year Thou Mayst in Me Behold” (William Shakespeare).
Philip Milton Roth was born March 19, 1933 in Newark, New Jersey. Roth attended Bucknell University, earning a degree in English. After Bucknell, Roth pursued graduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he received an M. A. in English literature and worked briefly as an instructor in the university’s writing program (Encyclopedia Britannica). Roth continued teaching writing at the University of Iowa and Princeton University, and the University of Pennsylvania, before retiring from teaching in 1992 (Encyclopedia Britannica).
While in Chicago, Roth met his first wife, Margaret Martinson. Their separation in 1963, along with Martinson’s death in a car accident in 1968, left a lasting mark on Roth’s literary output (Encyclopedia Britannica). Between the end of his studies and the publication of his first book in 1959, Roth served two years in the United States Army. His first book was Goodbye, Columbus, a novella and five stories that use wit, irony, and humor to depict Jewish life in post-war America (The Bankston 2 Philip Roth Society).
The book won him critical recognition, including the National Book Award of fiction, and also brought condemnation from some within the Jewish community for depicting what they felt was an unflattering side of the cotemporary Jewish American Experience (The Philip Roth Society). Events in Roth’s personal life have occasionally been the subject of media scrutiny. According to his pseudo-confessional novel Operation Shlock, Roth suffered a nervous breakdown in the late 1980s (Encyclopedia Britannica). In 1990, he married his long-time companion, English actress Claire Bloom.
In 1994, they separated, and in 1996 Bloom published a memoir describing their marriage in detail titled, Leaving a Doll’s House, much of which was unflattering to Roth (Encyclopedia Britannica). Roth continues to write and will release a new novella, Nemesis, this year (The Philip Roth Society). Defender of the Faith begins with introducing the reader to Sergeant Nathan Marx. It is May of 1945 and the fighting has just ended in Europe. Marx is relieved to be returning back to the west after two years of war.
Through his experiences in the war, Marx has become numb to emotions and withdrawn. “After two years I had been fortunate enough to develop an infantryman’s heart, which, like his feet, at first aches and swells, but finally grows horny enough for him to travel the weirdest paths without feeling a thing. ” Marx is introduced to his company and begins his routine. A young trainee, Sheldon Grossbart, wastes no time trying to establish a connection with his new superior. Grossbart quickly conveys his displeasure with “G. I. parties”, cleaning sessions, being held on Friday nights.
Grossbart quickly explains that he hopes now that he has a Jewish superior, that he and the other Jews will be able to attend shul on Fridays, instead Bankston 3 of performing their cleaning duties. Marx becomes angered and tells Grossbart that he should take his concerns to the Captain. Grossbart departs to tell his Jewish friends that they do indeed have a Jewish superior. Although Marx is angered by Grossbart and develops a disliking for him, he brings up his discussion with Grossbart to his Captain the next morning. Marx describes it “as to unburden myself of it”.
This is where Marx first allows Grossbart’s manipulation to get him. Marx finds himself defending Grossbart’s position, not explaining it. The Captain sees this as the other men see it, as Grossbart trying to get out of cleaning duties. “Seems awful funny how suddenly the Lord is calling so loud in Private Grossman’s ear he’s just go to run to Church. ” However, instructions are sent to inform the men that they’re free to attend church services whenever they are held. Later that night, Grossbart and his two Jewish friends, Larry Fishbein and Mickey Halpern prepare to attend the church services.
Grossbart introduces his friends and thanks Marx for making the gesture. Grossbart invites Marx along but the Sergeant brushes them off. As Grossbart and company leave, Marx finds himself recalling his youth. This is huge turning point in which Marx connects himself with the young Jews and finds himself allowing emotions back into his life. “But now one night noise, on rumor of home and time past, and memory plunged down through all I had anesthetized and came to whit I suddenly remembered to be myself. ” Marx then finds himself following Grossbart’s tracks and attending the services.
Marx sits behind the young men and watches them during the service. Following the service, Grossbart has another concern that he brings up with Marx. The food being Bankston 4 served is not that of Jewish tradition. Grossbart continues explaining that it’s not so much him with the problem, but Mickey, who vomits after eating. Mickey pushes this off, saying he has a cold. Marx investigates the other friend, Fishbein, who claims he can deal with it. I feel it is at this point that Marx begins to wonder about Grossbart’s motivations.
Grossbart made it out as if his friends were in a great amount of distress over the food situation, but when confronted about it, by someone with the same traditions as their own, the friends do not express a large amount of displeasure. The following week Marx is informed that Grossbart’s mother has contacted a congressman about the food. The Captain, none to pleased, confronts Marx on the subject. Marx again finds himself defending Jewish tradition and even explains that Jewish parents can be overprotective. The Captain wants to speak with Grossbart on the matter and they head to the field to speak with him.
When the superiors arrive at the firing range, Marx approaches Grossbart alone. Grossbart is firing, but Fishbein is nearby. Fishbein inquires about where they might be sent, claming his parents are asking repeatedly, and their concerns are hampering his ability to concentrate. Marx tells him to go about his business and takes Grossbart to the Captain. The Captain and Grossbart discuss his parents’ letter and Grossbart defends his stance and tries to use Marx and the rabbi as allies. The Captain becomes angered by the discussion and leaves.
Following the discussion, Marx who should be angry with Grossbart, notices his teeth. Grossbart’s teeth are white and straight, and Marx has a realization that Grossbart is someone’s son. Marx asks Grossbart about his parents. After Grossbart reveals that his parents speak little English, Marx comes to another realization, Grossbart wrote the letter. Marx, stunned, Bankston 5 inquires why Grossbart wrote the letter. Marx, although he said otherwise, has seen Grossbart eat well at chow. Grossbart explains that he is trying to help his friend. Marx replies with calling him a Messiah.
At this point that Marx is becoming more aware of Grossbart and his motivations and schemes. “Me a little bit, you a little bit. You’d like to believe that wouldn’t you Grossbart? That makes everything so clean for you. ” Marx is now conflicted with the reoccurring them of the story, being a good Sergeant or being a good Jew. He is realizing that Grossbart is playing him and using his Jewish connection to his benefit. Two weeks later, a letter comes across Marx’s desk. The letter is from Grossbart’s father. Marx knows that Grossbart has written the letter.
The letter explains that Grossbart will suffer the “pangs” of religious remorse for the good of his country and he credits Sergeant Nathan Marx for helping him reach this decision. Marx reflects on the letter, contemplating that Grossbart might have felt that he’d gone to far and was trying to make amends. He also considers that it might be a crafty attempt to strengthen what he considered an alliance. In the days following, Grossbart separates himself from Marx. The separation allows Marx to forgive Grossbart for their past encounters and even admire him for having good sense. During the separation Marx evolves further.
He recalls his past and looks to his future. He writes past girlfriends and shows interest in Law School. He allows himself to become happy. Grossbart returns seeking two favors. He would like to know where his going to be sent, Marx explains that he doesn’t know and that Grossbart will have to wait like the others. The second favor is permission to visit his aunt for a Jewish meal. Marx objects, Bankston 6 but Grossbart is able to convince him to give him a pass to leave the base. When the time comes for Grossbart to leave, he goes to Marx, asking for permission to take Fishbein and Halpern.
Marx, now feeling like he being taken advantage of, becomes enraged with Grossbart. The other boys, caught in the situation, appeal to Marx to be allowed on the trip. Marx finally concedes and gives all three boys a pass. Marx then reflects on his struggles with Grossbart. He considers that some of it may be his fault and wonders how he got so “tight-hearted”. He recalls his past, his grandmother, and concludes that “the Messiah himself” wouldn’t “niggle over nickels and dimes. ” The next day Marx hears news that all the boys will be sent over to the Pacific.
Marx finds the news shocking and he is now letting his connection with these boys interfere with being a good Sergeant. When Grossbart returns, he visits Marx at his bed. Marx even relates it to a homelike atmosphere. Grossbart explains that he is worried about Mickey after watching him cry. Marx realizes that this is just another tactic to find out where they will be shipped. Marx actually admires this tactic and sees himself in Grossbart, so he tells him the truth, they will be sent to the Pacific. Grossbart pleads with Marx before leaving. Marx explains that there is nothing he can do.
As Grossbart departs, he gives Marx his gift. Marx opens up the bag expecting fish, instead it’s a Chinese egg roll. Grossbart explains that his aunt wasn’t home and he had misread the letter. Marx has now had enough of Grossbart’s antics and lets him have it. “Grossbart, you’re a liar! You’re a schemer and a crook! You’ve got no respect for anything! ” Marx realizes that he’s been had and now must live up to his duty as a Sergeant. Bankston 7 A week later the orders for the trainees comes in. Everyone is going to the Pacific, everyone expect Sheldon Grossbart.
Marx realizes that Grossbart had pulled and string and he wasn’t it. Marx calls a Corporal and makes up a story having Grossbart’s orders changed to the Pacific. He plays the same card that Grossbart has played against him. Grossbart’s orders are changed to the Pacific. Following the change in orders, Grossbart confronts Marx. Grossbart continues his antics, claiming his father has a poor heart, and he needs to be near him. Marx, however, now has no sympathy for Grossbart and tells Grossbart that he owes explanations to Fishbein and Halpen for using them in his quest to receive undue privileges.
Grossbart contends that he was indeed watching out for all of them. Marx has had enough of Grossbart, knowing that he has let the youngster get the best of him in the past and moves forward accepting that he must do what is right. Defender of the Faith explores maintaining personal integrity in the face of group pressures. When confronted with Grossbart, Marx had to decide what was more important, being a good Sergeant or being a good Jew. If Grossbart’s motivations would have been true, would that have changed things for Marx? Perhaps, but after being used repeatedly, Marx felt like he had to take action.
It’s a common theme in life, your emotions can easily be used against you, and you must be aware of that fact at all times. Two possible questions from the Defender of the Faith: 1. What collection of stories was Defender of the Faith released with? Goodbye, Columbus 2. Why does Sheldon Grossbart feel that he shouldn’t have to participate in cleanup? He needs to go to the Jewish Church services. Works Cited Pozorski, Aimee. “The Philip Roth Society”. Central Connecticut State University. 7/1/2010 . “Philip Roth. ” Encyclopedia Britannica. 2010 Encyclopedia Britannica Online. 7/1/2010
Philip Roth Short Stories
Philip Milton Roth was born on March 19, 1933 in Newark, New Jersey to a lower class middle-class Jewish Family novels and made it the scenes there. There are certain stories that he wrote which talks about his family members and his own life as well.
His father was an insurance of Austro-Hungarian stock. When he wrote Patrimony in 1991, he wrote this for his dad who is still in his early eighties but in that particular story he portrayed his father as an eighty-six year old who suffered from a brain tumor.
Defender of the Faith ThemeTheme in “Defender of the Faith” can be interpreted in many varying ways, some of which are life-long lessons and others to the relation between faith and the individual.Throughout much of the story, Nathan Marx is lost between his role as a sergeant, Jew and human being. The relationship between the church, state and individual is a well-known concept. The three must be independent of each other and this story explores what happens when the three are forced together. His religion starts the whole process of the three intertwining. As his grandmother said, “Mercy overrides justice.” The quote reflects Marx’s human side, where feelings dominate over duty. I think the theme warns about faith. Essentially, the author, Philip Roth, is teaching us the good, honourable way of life.The theme with Jewishness has much to do with Nathan Marx, the “defender” mentioned in the title.
He unknowingly fights the good war against anti-Semitism in the European theatre of war and comes back to train more soldiers against the Axis powers. In the process he cares for his Jewish trainees in terms of weekly rituals and diet and gives them leeway. Marx went out of his way to please Grossbart, in fact he even conflicted with his Captain on numerous occasions about food and combat. Grossbart was simply manipulating and abusing the religion for his own gain. When Marx realizes this, he once again fights back by sending him to the Pacific.
The war and decisions made in boot camp were tough times for Marx, a lot like the suffering of Jews throughout history. Either way, he perseveres and wins both his battles against the Nazis, the ignorance of his colleagues and the manipulation of Grossbart. There is a theme much like the title, of staying true to the faith, educating and protecting it from those who oppose or don’t understand it. As long as you believe, things will turn out right. He may not be an Orthodox or traditional Jew but he is a true Jew, determined by actions, more than just prayers and words.The right way to live as an individual in society is an important theme set in this. 1303 Words 6 Pageshistory because he was willing to contradict the current religious authority in order to obtain an heir.After a complicated power struggle with the Pope, King Henry VIII who was named Defender of the Faith did more to diminish the power of the church than any other person.
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Once Henry named himself Defender of the Faith, the Pope would excommunicate Henry. However his tile would still stand and therefore the creation of the English Church would take place. According to Holmes, “the Act of Supremacy.
1342 Words 6 Pagesphilosophy prepares the mind to be precise in reasoning out issues of faith and thus prevents the Christian from being deceived by false teaching. Clement also elevated rational faith over simple faith and described the well-educated person thus: “the expert is the one who brings everything to bear on the truth. He culls whatever is useful from mathematics, the fine arts, literary studies, and, of course, philosophy, and protects the faith from all attacks” (171 ). For Clement, the study of the liberal. 1099 Words 5 Pagesthe book. First, I will write an introductory page about Augustine. Second, I will explain why Augustine wrote the Confessions and the importance of the Confessions as a philosophical work.
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I will analyze Augustine’s view of God and show the main theme of his book, which is, the sovereign God of grace and the sovereign grace of God. I will focus on Augustine’s view of God and His grace.Augustine was born Aurelius Augustinus on November 13, 354 in North Africa. He received a classical Latin education. 1494 Words 6 Pagessimilarthemes throughout. Perhaps the best thing to look at first is their verydifferent attitudes toward God and God¹s power in monarchy and state.
HenryVIII on England grew up as a very strong Catholic, at the insistence of hismother and father. He was known to be ³a man of daily devotionals, setting anexample for his people² (Canon 76). His own writings, most especially a book ofCatholicism entitled The Sanctoreum earned him the title from Pope Leo III thetitle ³Defender of the Faith.² His. 1340 Words 6 Pagesunique in this time.While Robinson offers many ideas (or themes) in her essay, three specific ones stood out more than the others. She spends some time discussing the relationship between Creationism and Darwinism; she attacks the way a Nietzschean ethic of selfishness has become respectable in the world; she also discusses the problems of the ideologies of Sigmund Freud. Along with references from Daniel Migliore and his book, Faith Seeking Understanding, these ideas provide much towards Robinson’s. 960 Words 4 Pagesclaimed from the Native Americans, it was declared that the Native Americans were to be taught Christian ideology, and although enslaved and prevented from attending school, many African Americans were encouraged, or even coerced to adopt the Christian faith as well.
At the beginning of every school day, mandatory prayers were recited from the Bible—like the Lord’s Prayer—and it was not until 1962 and 1963 that this was officially changed.This all began in 1955 when the New York Board of Regents approved. 1448 Words 6 PagesThe Quran is one of the most important literary source of every Muslim’s faith and practice, and it provides a belief system relevant for all times. It effectively portrays subjects that concern human beings like worship, law, etc. And has therefore appealed to millions of Muslim people. However, for non-Muslim and non-Arabic speakers, it is often difficult to understand the text’s unique approach to narrative. In the book, Approaching the Quran: The Early Revelations, Michael Sells, tries to assist.
1457 Words 6 PagesThere are different fundamental themes that take preference over other in contemporary social theory these themes consist of relationship between society and self, nature of social life, possibility, and role of social transformation, structure of social institutions and themes such as class, gender, and race. Contemporary social theory is given importance due to the fact that helps in evaluating the societal features easily. In this paper, the three different contexts that contribute in the development. 1731 Words 7 PagesLIT ONLY BY FIREby William ManchesterYour assignment is to read the book and answer a set of review questions. The questions will be impossible to answer without actually reading the book. The questions do not necessarily address the larger themes discussed in the book, but are intended to highlight interesting details, and simply force a closer reading of the book. I recommend that you keep the questions before you as you read.
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