Son of a Smaller Hero Essay

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Ali Kadhim Son of a Smaller Hero Essay Stereotypically, the Jewish community is known for rebellion, losing faith, and the addiction to money. In the novel, Son of a Smaller Hero, Mordecai Richler voices a disapproval of the Jewish community through Shloime’s rebellious acts, Noah’s loss of faith, and the compulsive drive for money portrayed by Wolf. First off, the author criticizes the Jewish community by portraying Shloime’s rebellious and fierce character. An example of this is when Shloime violates Melech’s instructions by gambling at Panofsky’s. Shloime inconsiderately goes to the “poolrooms until two in the morning” (20). He is depicted as the rebellious youngster of the family, who decides, instead of going to the synagogue, goes to gamble and play pool instead. The author uses characterization to exhibit how young Jewish men choose to rebel against their old fashioned and strict parents, which belittles the Jewish community. Similarly, Shloime’s rebellious and violent side worsens as the novel progresses. Noah finds “Panofsky sitting on the floor, his head propped up against the wall and his grey hair damped with blood.”(78). He later discovers that his uncle was the one behind this ruthless act of ferocity. Richler’s use of characterization shows how Shloime’s rebellion has grown to one that is fearless of the law, not only his religion. This broadens the idea that young men of the Jewish community are rebellious and brutal. Shloime even shows acts of pride in his actions by saying “Hey, I wonder if it’ll be in the papers? Did you [Noah] notice any photographers around?”(81/82). Characterization is used to display his lack of sympathy for what he has done. This further enhances the stereotype of young Jewish men being disobedient and cruel. In short, Richler’s use of characterization depicts his disapproval of the Jewish community. Secondly, Richler

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