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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that summarizes Chaim Potok's novel My Name is Asher Lev, which gives his readers insight into the cultural and world of orthodox Judaism. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khclev.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
it is clear that the cultural setting of the narrative plays a major role in how the events of Ashers life unfold. Early on, Asher, who provides the narrative voice,
identifies himself as an artist, specifically a painter, but also as an "observant Jew," noting simultaneously that "observant Jews do not paint at all" (Potok 3). The story line traces
Ashers life from early childhood through early adulthood and describes how his artistic talent developed from an early age. The author makes it clear that this talent, which would
be considered a great benefit and "good" in another culture, is at odds with Ashers Hasidic heritage, where it is the cultural norm that the community determines the course of
ones life. The novel mainly concerns the tension that originates in Ashers contrasting loyalties, as he feels pulled between his art and the expectations of his family and culture.
Eventually, Asher follows his artistic vision and creates a painting that wins him acclaim, but is so controversial that it causes rift with his family. The novel ends with Asher
still uncertain, still torn, not knowing if he has made the right decision. As this indicates, this is primarily a novel about relationships, particularly familial relationships. From the age
of four, Ashers mother encouraged him to make "pretty pictures," but Ashers father, even a this young age, saw the conflict between art and the life of a Hasidic Jews,
and he viewed Asher talent with suspicion. When Ashers Uncle Yitzchok noticed his nephews talent and referred to him as a "little Chagall," comparing the boy to a great Jewish
artist, the attention infuriates Ashers father. This drives home the point that, culturally, being an artist is not considered a suitable profession within the Hasidic Jewish community. Throughout the novel,
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