Eliot's sense of urgency to found a Jewish nation is mirrored in Mordecai's. Mordecai's ideas speak to the English society, in danger of losing faith and morality. Subordinating the Religious to the National (05:23) Wisse contrasts it with "Nathan the Wise" and addresses ongoing nationalist questions. Embryonic Zionism (04:34)Ĭhapter 42 reflects late 19th century nationalism debates in the Jewish community members expressed gratitude to Eliot for the novel. Hear Mordecai's response invoking Spinoza and America. British Jews see nationalism as a "dead" idea and are content to assimilate to English society. Wisse outlines arguments against Mordecai's vision of a Jewish homeland, expressed at a philosophical forum in Chapter 42. As Daniel supports Mordecai's case, Eliot supports Deutsch's case. Personality and ideas persuade a group's sympathies. Wisse discusses Mordecai's intentions in arguing for Jewish nationalism at a philosophy club debate. Power of Ideas in Affecting Social Change (04:18) Wisse compares Eliot's case for Jewish nationalism to Harriet Beecher Stowe's case for abolitionism in "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Stowe appealed to Christian morality, but Eliot also had to make intellectual arguments for political sovereignty. Wisse connects Eliot’s translation of Spinoza to Mordecai's character. He constructs a neshama yeseira, or extra soul, for Daniel. Mordecai's ideas recall mysticism, but he speaks less about beliefs than about Jewish destiny.
Daniel fulfills Mordecai's search for a messenger. It views Mordecai from prophetic, tragic and ordinary perspectives. Wisse reads a passage describing the characters' first encounter. Eliot's relationship to Deutsch mirrors that of Daniel to Mordecai. He shared his vision of restoring a Jewish homeland with Eliot, and is a model for Mordecai's character. "Daniel Deronda" Inspiration (03:01)ĭeutsch traveled to Palestine in 1869.
In 1866, she met Emmanuel Deutsch, who introduced her to the Talmud and tutored her in Hebrew. In this lecture, Professor Ruth Wisse will examine what prompted George Eliot to undertake a novel promoting the restoration of Israel as a Jewish nation.
Introduction: Jewish Nationalism (03:40) FREE PREVIEW
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