The Nazarene: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Nazarene: Analysis of Major Characters" delves into the intricate dynamics between key figures surrounding Jesus of Nazareth in a narrative that intertwines historical and spiritual themes. Central to the story is Pan Viadomsky, a 1930s anti-Semitic scholar with a complex past as the reincarnation of the Roman soldier Cornelius, who grappled with his memories of Jesus while harboring deep-seated biases. Cornelius, alongside other characters such as the devoted disciple Jochanan and the conflicted Judas Iscariot, embodies the tensions of faith and power in a tumultuous historical context.
Jesus himself is portrayed as a compassionate rabbi who prioritizes the marginalized over religious authorities, earning both reverence and contempt. Key figures like Rabbi Nicodemon and Mary, the mother of Jesus, contribute to the multifaceted portrayal of the cultural and spiritual landscape of the time. Meanwhile, Mary Magdalene, with her captivating allure and devotion, represents the transformative impact of Jesus' teachings on individuals from various walks of life. This exploration of character dynamics offers insight into the complexities of identity, belief, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in the era, encouraging readers to reflect on the interplay between historical context and personal narratives in understanding spiritual legacies.
The Nazarene: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Sholem Asch
First published: 1939 in English translation (Der Man fun Notseres, 1943)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Palestine
Plot: Historical realism
Time: The first and twentieth centuries
Pan Viadomsky, an anti-Semitic Catholic scholar living in the 1930's. Old and irascible, he is both brilliant and fraudulent as a researcher of the Holy Land during the first century. He is the reincarnation of the Roman soldier, Cornelius, who apprehended and arrested Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. In his twentieth century incarnation, Viadomsky is still tortured by his memories of Jesus. He is fascinated with Jews as well as with anyone he perceives to be reincarnated from Jerusalem during the time of Jesus. At the same time, he is filled with hatred of Jews, an attitude that increases his prestige as Nazi Socialism becomes increasingly popular. He depends on the ability of the narrator, a young Jewish scholar, to translate Hebrew and to recall things from ancient Jerusalem.
Cornelius, a professional soldier who has cast his lot with Pontius Pilate, lives in Jerusalem, and observes the various aspects of Hebrew culture as he continues his service under the Roman governor. He believes in power as the answer to all ethical problems, and maintaining Roman power is in his interest. Although he is intrigued with Jesus, he must decide to view the “Rabbi of Nazareth” as a serious threat.
Jesus of Nazareth, the Rabbi from K'far Nahum, known to some, toward the end, as the Messiah ben David. He is the focus of Cornelius (speaking in his reincarnated form, that of Pan Viadomsky), of Judas Ish-Kiriot (Iscariot, who speaks through a manuscript found by Viadomsky), and of Jochanan (who is reincarnated as the narrator), the disciple of the Rabbi Nicodemon. Jesus, or Yeshua, is a rabbi who teaches the poor and the sick rather than associating with the Pharisees or the Sanhedrin. As a result, he is accused of impurity. He appears frail, he is tall, he has a youthful expression, and he wears ritualistic earlocks and a fringed tunic. He is constantly served and protected by a physically strong disciple, Simon bar Jonah, the fisherman, and attended by the brothers Zebedee (Jacob and Jochanan) and by Mary of Migdal.
Rabbi Nicodemon, under whom Jochanan (reincarnated as the narrator) studies, a Pharisee who believes that Jesus speaks the word of God, but not that he is the Messiah. He exhibits great reverence for Jesus.
Judas Iscariot, a follower of Jesus who suffers from jealousy toward Simon bar Jonah, Jacob, and Jochanan, who are more intimate with the master. He also suffers from impatience regarding the redemption, which ultimately leads him to hasten the event by revealing Jesus to the soldiers.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, who loves Jesus as her firstborn. Her skin is wrinkled with care, and she has lived a life of hard work. She reveals to the disciples that Jesus was born in Bethlehem and is of the House of David.
Mary Magdalene, known as Mary of Migdal, a courtesan beloved by wealthy gentlemen of many backgrounds. She has an excess of feeling to express and is made more fascinating by her bodily allure and her long red hair. She is an expert in perfumes and oils. The restlessness in her soul is answered by the doctrines that Jesus teaches, and she abandons her worldly goods and connections to follow him, taking personal care of him at each stop that he and his disciples make.
The narrator, a young Jewish scholar eager to study under Pan Viadomsky. He finally realizes that he, too, had another life in early Christian times.
Jochanan, the first century embodiment of the narrator, a young disciple of the Rabbi Nicodemon. With his friend and fellow student, Rufus, he is privileged to see Jesus during his last days and to hear various enlightened reactions to Jesus, his words, and his works. He is characterized by eagerness, fear, and wonderment.