Children of the Ghetto: Analysis of Major Characters
"Children of the Ghetto: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the lives and relationships of Jewish individuals living in a ghetto setting, particularly focusing on their struggles and aspirations. Central to the narrative is Esther Ansell, an intelligent and sensitive young woman who, after being adopted by the wealthy Mrs. Henry Goldsmith, finds herself torn between her successful literary career and her roots in the ghetto. The story also highlights various supporting characters, such as Moses Ansell, Esther's pious father, and her younger brother Benjamin, who faces challenges after their mother's death.
The dynamics among characters like Sam Levine, who grapples with his cultural identity, and Leah Birnbaum, who sacrifices her love for tradition, underscore the tension between personal desires and community expectations. Additionally, figures such as the kind neighbor Becky Belcovitch and the ambitious labor leader Wolf illustrate the diverse experiences and aspirations within the Jewish community. This character-driven analysis sheds light on themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of socio-economic circumstances on individual choices. Readers seeking an in-depth understanding of these characters will find a rich tapestry of Jewish life and culture woven throughout the text.
Children of the Ghetto: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Israel Zangwill
First published: 1892
Genre: Novel
Locale: London
Plot: Realism
Time: Nineteenth century
Esther Ansell, a poor Jewish girl adopted and educated by a rich woman. Esther, sensitive and very intelligent, graduates from London University. She writes a novel of Jewish life entitled Mordecai Josephs. A shy girl, she hides behind the pen name “Edward Armitage.” Despite her success, Esther returns to the ghetto. Later she migrates to New York, drawn by her love for her family, who are already in the United States.
Mrs. Henry Goldsmith, a wealthy Jewess who adopts Esther Ansell and educates her, even sending Esther's family to America to free the girl from ghetto life. Mrs. Goldsmith is a woman who likes intellectuals and is generous to them.
Moses Ansell, a pious, orthodox, unworldly Jew. He is Esther's father. He spends too much time praying and too little time earning a living.
Benjamin Ansell, Esther's young brother, who is placed in an orphanage at his mother's death
Becky Belcovitch, a kindly neighbor of the Ansells in the ghetto.
Malka Birnbaum, cousin of Moses Ansell's dead wife. She tries to help her cousin's family.
Sam Levine, a commercial traveler who through ignorance of the ancient Jewish traditions marries the wrong girl.
Leah Birnbaum, loved by Sam Levine. She gives up her beloved because he is not an orthodox Jew.
Hannah Jacobs, Sam Levine's accidental and temporary wife. She loves David Brandon, who has left the orthodox customs of his people.
David Brandon, Hannah's suitor, whom she loves but finally rejects because of his unorthodoxy.
Reb Shemuel Jacobs, Hannah's indulgent father. He is a rabbi.
Melchitsekek Pinchas, a young, poor Jewish poet and scholar. He becomes editor of a newspaper sponsored by the Goldsmiths.
Raphael Leon, a young journalist of strong moral principles. He loves Esther Ansell and promises to follow her to America.
Sugarman, a marriage broker in the London ghetto.
Wolf, a Jewish labor leader who wants to be sent to Parliament.
Shosshi Shmendrik, a street hawker who marries for money.
Widow Finkelstein, a storekeeper who marries Shosshi.
Bear Belcovitch, a neighbor of Moses Ansell. He wants his daughter to marry Shosshi Shmendrik.
Debby, a poor young seamstress, Esther Ansell's friend.
Leonard James, Hannah Jacob's brother. He is a snobbish, vulgar young Jew who deserts his name and religion.
Rabbi Joseph Strelitski, a rabbi at a fashionable synagogue in London. He sees himself as a hypocrite and leaves his templetostartanewlifeinNewYork.