The Jewish Symbolism of Duddy Kravitz

In the novel, The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz, by Mordechai Richler, the use of Jewish themes is prevelant and absolute. Richler manages to sustain a Jewish voice within a Jewish stereotype. He effectively turns what could be deemed proactive anti-semitism, into satirical and sardonic pro Jewish prose. The use of Yiddish in the novel is a major player in creating a realistic Jewish world as well as creating a pro Jewish sympathy for the Kravitz …

…goes through an identity criss, where Judaism equates social diminutivism, and archaic eccentricities no longer practised by polite circles. Richler has a llove-hate battle with his Jewish roots and culture. He portrays this through characterisation and comedic satire. His depiction of Jewish symbols as living personifications show how the evolution of self is an ongoing and dynamic process. One will almost always return to one's cultural roots as they complete, but not create however, self.