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Allegory
Definition of Allusion
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals, historical events, or philosophical ideas... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to other literary works, famous individuals... read full definition
In literature, an allusion is an unexplained reference to someone or something outside of the text. Writers commonly allude to... read full definition
Chapter 8
Explanation and Analysis—Khrushchev:
In Chapter 8, Asher's mother Rivkeh recalls to Asher her professor's surprised reaction upon learning Asher is working with Jacob Kahn. She offers the following allusion:
"He was a little astonished that you're being taught by Jacob Kahn." She smiled wryly. "Everyone seems astonished by that [...] Khrushchev's speech about Stalin also has everyone astonished."
The allusion in this passage is to Khrushchev's 1956 "secret speech" that officially started the de-Stalinization process in the Soviet Union. Stalin violently persecuted Jews in the Soviet Union, and Krushchev's speech condemning Stalin marked the beginning of a new era of hope for the region's Jewish population (which, notably, Aryeh Lev works with directly for part of Asher's childhood).
The power of this allusion is that Rivkeh is using it to compare the gravity of her son's gift to the political sea change going on in the Soviet Union. It's particularly powerful because the Levs are Jewish, and Khrushchev was seen by many as the end of Stalin's antisemitic tyranny. This passage can be read as Rivkeh's suggestion that Asher's Jewishness and artistic talents can not only coexist, but can be used to serve his community and even make the world better for Jewish people, even if his community finds him initially shocking.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Three Jewish Painters:
In Chapter 8, Anna is discussing Asher's future with him when she uses the following allusions:
“I asked Jacob which of the three he thought you might become.”
“The three?”
“Modigliani, Soutine, and Pascin. Pascin’s name was originally Pincas. Have you heard of those three? They were Jews.”
“I’ve seen some of their paintings.”
“They were dedicated people. You have not been beaten for drawing, have you?”
“No.”
“Soutine was severely beaten when he was young. When he was your age, I believe. You are thirteen? Yes. He was quite severely beaten. Orthodox Jews do not care much for painting, I understand. You are what is called a Hasid?”
Anna alludes to Modigliani, Soutine, and Pascin, all three of whom were Jewish painters who became very famous and successful. This demonstrates the weight of Asher's gift and the bright future ahead of him as a Jewish artist. However, the discussion of how Soutine was severely beaten when he was Asher's age calls attention to the danger that stands in Asher's way as a Jewish artist, especially a Hasidic Jew. Asher has already faced rejection within his community, and because of global prejudices against Judaism, he faces the danger of persecution in the wider world, too.
Related Themes:
