Historical Literature Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Historical Literature - Essay Example Malamund’s story tells only one of the many struggles between heritage and what is accepted by society. Over the course of history many people have been persecuted and forced into submission by a bigger more socially accepted culture. Jewish religion has always met with persecution throughout history, but unfortunately while the Jewish are the most well known, they are not the only ones who have had to endure the life ruining affects of an invading people and culture bigger than their own. History is riddled with stories of people who were seen as inferior by conquering cultures. The Jew Bird details the destruction of a culture overwhelmed by a larger population’s expectations and ideas as to the way a person is supposed to live their life. Malamund uses Cohen as an example of what every Jewish American realizes and fears will become of their culture and their way of living. Cohen has forgotten the ways that he used to live. His way of living has been so completely altered that he does not even recognize a true Jew when he sees one, and when questioned about Jewbird he says,† Poor bird, my ass. He is a foxy bastard. He thinks he is a Jew† (Malamund 738). Cohen has become bitter and weary of life and takes little joy in anything. For example, when Jewbird comes to his door asking for food, instead of graciously inviting him into his home and offering him food and comfort as Jewish culture previously condoned, he harshly tries to turn him away by saying, "This aint a restaurant" (Malamund 738). He does not want to help out or give anyone charity because no one did that for him while his people were being persecuted by the Nazis and being killed by the thousands. The presence of Jewbird in the story gives the reader a stinging reminder of how wonderful the Jewish culture once was and how horribly destroyed it became. The contrast between Jewbird and Cohen is so strong. While Cohen wont go out of his way for anyone, Jewbird "Spends most