The Assistant

Throughout Bernard Malamuds, beautifully written, The Assistant there were references to cultural icons or to religious symbols that sometimes represent

The writers major theme. In this book it is Franks constant resemblance to St. Francis Of Assisi, and Franks subtle conversion to Judaism. The most important religious symbol in the book is St. Francis.

Frank Alpine's name two important connotations: It suggests an affinity with St. Francis of Assisi and also refers to mountain heights beyond the Timberline. Frank has vivid memories of learning about St. Francis. His desires to be like St. Francis emphasizes only one half of his divided character, because he is both a saint and a sinner in a way. W

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Francis of Assisi has something to do with Frank’s conversion but it is of very little importance. Francis is also an important factor because even his name compares: Frank-Francis and Alpine-Assisi.

I believe that frank is a figure of a saint going through certain changes that make him more of a better person. Frank experiences change through suffering almost like a human saint. Franks subtle conversion to Judaism was fortified by the good writing of Malamud. The main reason for him to convert was so that Helen could accept him, but he also wants to acknowledge that he is no different from Jews, and that he is willing to live among them even if Helen doesn’t want to. hich gives him an alter ego in the novel. This is a touching story but there is still some humor in it. This is the reason it is humorous because he finds out that he can be a Jew because he shares a fundamental humanity with them. According to Morris he was becoming a Jew long before his official conversion.

Approximate Word count = 479
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

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