Through clever characterization, underlying symbolism, and an in-depth point of view, the short story "Gimpel the Fool", written by Isaac Bashevis Singer, clearly reinforces the age-old concept that repentance, along with good deeds, will ultimately be rewarded in time. Gimpel's whole-hearted yet gullible characterization weaves an important pattern in the story's meaning. The deeply embedded religious connotation and use of dynamic symbols both aid in allowing the reader to pick out the lesson learned in the story. With the help of the first person point of view, the reader can better understand the main character and his thought processes, tying all three fictional elements together to help the reader interpret the true significance of the story. .
Singer uses a couple of different ways to create the character Gimpel. Although Gimpel appears to be a fool, he is really a wise man and can even be characterized as a saint. He shows he is wise by loving the children that are not his, is an avid believer in his religion, and is not swayed by the temptations of the Devil. First of all he uses what other characters say about him and do to him. The other kids at school say he is a fool, and take advantage of him for their own entertainment. This is not used to make him into a foolish character, but rather a victim, a sympathetic character. He has an honest personality as well, and it shines through when introduces himself to us at the beginning. He doesn't even try to make it sound as if it was even hard to fool him. He just tells it the exact way that it took place; they told him a lie and he didn't even question it, he just believed it. "In the first place, everything is possible, as it is written in the Wisdom of the Fathers." He doesn't try to make the lie sound anymore believable than it was either; he is very honest and straightforward. He also gives you insight on his thought process, which is very open and unguarded.
English 1302 Character Analysis on "Gimpel the Fool" Gimpel lived most of his life being a fool, though he did not consider himself to be one. ... Gimpel's personality was different than others. ... Gimpel is able to move on with his life due to his morals. ... Gimpel was a fool despite his self-denial. After all this, it seems Gimpel is confused with himself. ...
Gimpel is known as a "fool", but as the story builds up one can see he is a wise man: "I am Gimpel the fool I don't think myself a fool. ... Gimpel sees himself as a better and wiser man. ... "Gimpel, there's a fair in heaven; Gimpel the rabbi gave birth to a calf in the seventh month; Gimpel, a cow flew over the roof and laid brass eggs" (96). ... He has no father- son relationship with Gimpel, and he is part of Elka's life before Gimpel. ... Therefore, Gimpel is a true and kind individual. ...
Gimpel was much more of a wise man than a fool. ... Gimpel is giving them a chance that no one else can give. ... They use Gimpel instead and call him a fool. ... They deceive Gimpel into marrying a woman who is impure. ... Gimpel may also simply be accepting the familiar. ...
An Analysis of Gimpel The Fool Gimpel the Fool is a story written by Isaac Bashevis Singer. ... Gimpel The Fool is a story about a simple man named Gimpel. ... Elka treats Gimpel very poorly. ... Gimpel changes his mind and buries the bread. ... He is not Gimpel, he is Gimpel the fool. ...
Gimpel himself does not believe himself to be a fool, however. ... Before Gimpel manages to get away from the town, the townspeople drive him to marriage. ... Throughout the story, Gimpel is given clues that his wife is not faithful to him. ... Before Gimpel can say anything, she tricks Gimpel by sending him away and hiding the apprentice. Naive Gimpel then dismisses it as possibly his imagination. ...
As we see in Gimpel the Fool, "You can go home then. ... "I am Gimpel the fool. ... The truth is Gimpel is a fool. ... Any other man would have thrown a tantrum, but this was no big deal to Gimpel. ... Gimpel is not "a slugger" by nature. ...
Gimpel is portrayed as the town fool and is considered unworldly. ... Then one day the towns' people come to Gimpel and tell him of a woman. ... Gimpel knows that she is really sexually promiscuous. ... So Gimpel goes about fouling the bread. ... I'm paying for it, Gimpel. ...
Gimpel, Kind and Naive "I don't think of myself a fool. ... Gimpel, the main character in "Gimpel the Fool" written by Isaac Bashevis Singer, narrates the story with precise honesty. ... Elka cheats on Gimpel with several men. ... In her deathbed Elka asks Gimpel for forgiveness not feeling remorse for deceiving Gimpel, instead "to go clean to my maker." ... Gimpel then questions, "What...is there then?" ...
