Bernard Malamud의 The fixer에 나타난 자아인식

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Self-recognition in Bernard Malamud's The Fixer

Kim Mi-Seon Advisor: Prof, Choe Ki-goon, Ph.D Major in English Language Education Graduate School of Education, Chosun University

This paper is an attempt to discuss the hero's self-recognition in Malamud's The Fixer. The hero is a symbol of human beings who suffer mental and physical hardships. Bernard Malamud was one of the major Jewish American writers in the middle of the 20th century. Although Jewishness is the central theme in his works, it may be treated as a metaphor rather than a religious or theological statement. In his works the Jew becomes a metaphor for the good man who suffers and who also accepts the responsibility for the suffering of others. Most of the themes in Bernard Malamud's novels are about the idea of suffering. For him, the experience of suffering leads to self-recognition. Even though he presents his thoughts about suffering through Jewish people, they represent the suffering of universal man. Yakov is a poor, unlucky Jew who suffers in an absurd and unjust society. This novel is based on the Mendel Beiliss case which occurred in Tsarist Russia in 1911. Yakov escapes Shtetl in order to make his fortune. However, in order to do that, it is necessary for him to deny his Jewish identity and God. His denial of Jewishness causes him to undergo endless suffering and isolation. When he is falsely accused of murdering a Russian boy, he is found guilty. Then Yakov is imprisoned and experiences severe suffering. Therefore, the protagonist, Yakov Bok, has to suffer before he realizes the true meaning of suffering. Then later, he realizes that he can make his suffering meaningful. Thus, through his acts of acceptance, Yakov comes to know himself. Thus, when his wife comes to visit him in prison, he forgives her even though she had been unfaithful and had a child with the other man. Moreover, he accepts and adopts the child. The prison visit helps him grow stronger morally. In The Fixer, as in most of his works, Malamud's Jews are metaphors for modern man experiencing spiritual crises. Through Yakov Bok's journey Malamud shows us that the way to humanity is love and hope even in the worst conditions.