The Book of Lights: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Book of Lights" delves into the complexities of its major characters, centering on Gershon Loran, a Jewish chaplain in Korea who grapples with themes of faith, identity, and existential uncertainty. Gershon, characterized by his shyness and mystical inclinations, undergoes a transformation influenced by his mentors, Keter and Malkuson. Keter, a professor of Cabala, introduces Gershon to the mystical elements of Judaism, while Malkuson, a Talmud scholar, represents a more rationalist perspective. The narrative also explores the life of Arthur Leiden, Gershon's charismatic roommate, whose emotional turmoil stems from his father's involvement in the atomic bomb's development, leading to his tragic fate. Other notable characters include Karen Levin, Gershon's academically dedicated girlfriend, and Roger Tat, Gershon's efficient assistant, who provide contrasting perspectives on life and relationships. The story further includes John Meron, Gershon's Roman Catholic friend, and Toshie, a young Japanese woman who deepens the narrative's exploration of cultural intersections. This character-driven analysis highlights the struggles of faith, guilt, and acceptance, resonating with readers interested in the human experience amidst historical and spiritual dilemmas.
The Book of Lights: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Chaim Potok
First published: 1981
Genre: Novel
Locale: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Boston, Philadelphia, Korea, Japan, and Jerusalem
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: 1950–1957
Gershon Loran, the protagonist, a Jewish chaplain in Korea and a student of Cabala (Jewish mysticism). A shy and melancholy man, unkempt and poorly groomed before his metamorphosis in Korea, he is given to having visions and other mystical experiences. Gershon has a brilliant mind, a fact clear to nearly everyone but himself. His life seems random to him, made up mostly of unlucky chances, and he faces it numbly and without enthusiasm, never really knowing what he wants to do. Keter and Malkuson both want Gershon as a disciple; Keter wins him because Malkuson's Talmud and Bible hold little mystery for Gershon, and Keter sees life as mostly mysterious, mostly posing unpleasant and unanswerable questions. Gershon's unexpected common sense and his willingness to face and accept the dark side of life make him a good chaplain in Korea and a good friend to Arthur Leiden, though Gershon typically does not recognize his own goodness. His successes never remove from him the sense he has throughout the story that he is always waiting.
Arthur Leiden, Gershon's roommate at the Riverside Hebrew Institute and fellow chaplain in Korea, a suave and handsome Bostonian. Arthur's life is dominated by an obsession with his father's role (and, by extension, the role of the Jewish people) in the development of the atomic bomb. His sense of guilt and his wish to atone for it drive him to Korea, whence he can visit Japan. In particular, he wants to see Kyoto, which his mother (an art historian) was instrumental in saving from bombing, and Hiroshima, which his father (a physicist) was instrumental in destroying. Formerly a gifted physics student at Harvard, Arthur has turned to religion out of fear; he sees it as safer than science and as less likely to destroy the world. Emotionally very unstable throughout the novel, Arthur dies in a plane crash while trying to return to Japan. A letter from Arthur received by his parents after his death reveals that he has learned acceptance and new hope from his association with Gershon.
Jakob Keter, a visiting professor of Cabala at the Riverside Hebrew Institute and Gershon's mentor. At fifty-five years of age, Keter is tall, trim, and bald, with a long face, bright eyes, and a humorless teaching style; his typical dress is a dark suit and a red bow tie. Having contemplated a career in mathematics or physics when a young man, Keter has given himself instead to the scientific study of Cabala, because he believes it to be the soul of Judaism.
Nathan Malkuson, a great scholar and Gershon's Talmud professor at the Riverside Hebrew Institute. In his fifties, Malkuson is of medium height, with cold eyes and a disdainful smile. Malkuson considers Cabala foolishness and wants Gershon to become a Talmudist because Talmud, the law, is the mind of Judaism, its rational meaning. After Arthur's death and Gershon's return to New York, Malkuson is Gershon's spiritual adviser.
Karen Levin, Gershon's girlfriend. Karen, who has no illusions about her looks, has single-mindedly devoted her life to academic pursuits. She earns a Ph.D. in philosophy from Columbia and teaches at Barnard and the University of Chicago. She would like to marry Gershon but is prevented by his uncertainty about his own life.
Roger Tat, Gershon's first assistant in Korea. Roger's passions are music and his girlfriend back home. Although urged by Gabriel Rosen to find a Jewish assistant, Gershon keeps Roger, a Mormon, and finds him intelligent, efficient, and forethoughtful. Like John Meron, Roger is a significant non-Jew in Gershon's life, helping him avoid the closed-mindedness he so hates in Gabriel Rosen.
John Meron, an electrical engineer, Gershon's Roman Catholic roommate at the engineering battalion. John finds in Gershon a good friend and travels with him to Japan.
Gabriel Rosen, a Jewish medic, Gershon's assistant after Roger leaves Korea. To Gershon, Gabriel represents “road map” religion, “the smug superiority of those certain of salvation.” Gershon dislikes Gabriel and what he represents.
Toshie, a young Japanese woman, a geisha, black-haired and beautiful, whom Gershon meets and befriends in a Tokyo club. Toshie acts as translator for Gershon and Arthur on their tour of Japan, which culminates in Hiroshima. In spite of Gershon's carefully platonic arrangements with Toshie, she is upset by a situation wherein she cannot physically repay his kindness to her. Arthur asks Toshie's forgiveness for his family's role in developing the atomic bomb.