REL 2029 Chapter : Discussion David Levinsky
Document Summary
Discussion: the rise of david levinsky: poor jewish boy suffers persecution in russia. Loses religion, gains economic success: writing is simple; themes of self-identification, childishness (daydreams, etc. , major theme: personal loss. Levinsky loses his father; tied into religion, devotion, etc. Always themes of loss/loneliness accompany themes of religion. Relationship: religion comforts in times of loss/loneliness, but also religion leads to loss/loneliness: related: themes of emotion. Levinsky"s ability to make personal relationships with women changes as his life continues. Variation of human experience as framed with life and society: portrayal of women: often in conjunction with sin. Jewish gender norms; not present in book are stereotypical portrayals of jewish women. No conformity to american stereotypes of jewish women: broader concept: religious devotion with sexual practice. Sexuality and religious: religious people are not sexual unless married (only known by fact that they had kids). Levinsky explores sexuality and religion: americanization as religion.
