An Interpretation of Assimilation Narratives of Early Jewish American Writers from the Perspective of Space Theory

Abstract

In early Jewish American literature, numerous literature writings deal with issues of immigration and assimilation. The wave of Jewish immigration from Eastern Europe has added different dimensions to these issues. "Home" is the core problem these issues share. Interpreting the assimilation narratives of early American Jewish writers from the perspective of space theory, it is possible to explore the sense of "at home" that material space speaks of, the sense of "uncanny" that generated by the discipline and fitting of spiritual space due to Americanized education; and the construction of a third space that shapes the ideal sense of "back home". The literary performance of the concept of "home" by the early American Jewish writers expresses the Jewish dream of a homeland to which they belonged and the Jewish desire to integrate without losing their independent selves.

Keywords

Early Jewish American writers / Spatial Narrative / At Home / Uncanny / Third Space

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