Jekl

5 Pages 1155 Words

In Yekl by Abraham Cahan, the portrait painted is that of Jewish immigrants adjusting to America and it’s freedoms. Many of these travelers not only incorrectly predicted what America would be like but also, how they as individuals truly are. Animals in cages do not run not because they would not, but rather, they can not. One of the main characters, Yekl or Jake, is placed in such a position. However, Jake is not molded exclusively by American culture. There is always a sense of discomfort in his own identity. Jake is filled with a pride that comes from being set apart from the norm and this adds to the complications of social adjustment.
One of Jake’s character flaws is introduced in the beginning of the novel. Jake is described as being tall, muscular, good looking and charming. In the beginning scene, he is the center of attention acting out and explaining sports. This would accent his natural good qualities; however, his story telling indicates more. This is a bit of foreshadowing for the rest of the novel because he has that “eyes on me” demure. Jake enjoys being the center of attention. It gives him one up on other people. This is also evident in more selfish people.
Jake desperately craves to be among equals in an American society. Jake lived in an area that was strongly Jewish, however diverse. There were “Jews from ever nook and corner of Russia, Poland, Galicia, Hungary, Roumania.”(13) He prides himself in his superior English skills though he can not read. He places himself above his peers by speaking “in Boston Yiddish”(2) which incorporates more English than other dialects. Jake has altered his image by losing his facial hair. When confronted, the presser turns Jake “white with rage”(6) by declaring Jake “thinks that shaving one’s mustache makes a Yankee”(6) He wants to be accepted as an American, not accepted as to trying to be American. It is interesting how the book stres...