Abstract

The advent of huge Jewish migratory population in the American continent opened doors for many new domains in the modern literature. The discussion and books on Jewish life and people is very much an essence of American Literature. With writers like Malamud, Bellow, Roth, etc. multiple themes related to the lives of Jews in America have been brought to light. Malamud is a prolific writer whose contribution to Jewish-American literature has been gigantic. Malamud has always tried to portray what the generations of Jewish masses have been feeling and going through in a country which is very different from their ancestral land, but a country which allowed them to assimilate in its culture. The problems of assimilation, trauma of the worst genocide in the many generations are some common areas of discussions under the domain. This paper discusses the concept of a Jewish hero, his losses and his struggles have been traced through the protagonist Frank of the novel The Assistant. Malamud’s idea of a story may be unique but the feelings and apprehensions of Frank is common to many Jewish people who can relate to Frank. His quest for identity is the main theme of the novel where he just wants to be feel good by being good and doing good. The concept of complex Jewish American identity and the inner struggles of a Jewish common man have been discussed by Malamud through his protagonist.

Key words: Jewish, Assimilate, Genocide, Identity, Struggle