ABSTRACT

Based on an analysis of Singer’s “Gimpel the Fool”, the thesis will explore the protagonist’s storytelling and his crisis of identity. It also discusses the narrative strategies adopted by the protagonist in his storytelling and the construction of characters’ identities. In telling his life stories, Gimpel’s suffering, endurance and his faith to God are all the values of traditional Jewish culture, which means that Gimpel is an epitome of the Jewish nation. Besides, the thesis makes an analysis of how Gimpel and the Jews survive the plight.      

Key words: “Gimpel the Fool”; Storytelling; Identity Crisis

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1Introduction of Isaac Bashevis Singer-1

1.2 Literature Review-2

1.3 Plan of the Thesis-3

Chapter Two IDENTITY CRISIS in “Gimpelthe FOOl”-5

2.1 The Construction of Gimpel’s Identity-5

2.2 Elka, Town People, Rabbi and Gimpel-7

2.3 The Jewishness in Singer’s Gimpel-8

Chapter Three STORYTELLING IN “GIMPEL THE FOOL”-10

3.1 Singer’s Gimpel in Storytelling-10

3.2 Identity Crisis in Storytelling-11

3.3 Storytelling and the Jewish Nation-13

Chapter Four CONCLUSION-15

WORKS   CITED-17