Defender of the Faith, by Philip Roth, is a short story that exemplifies the nature of
Jewishness that is portrayed through the characters of Sergeant Marx and Sheldon Grossbart.
Throughout the story, there is a recurring theme revolving around the dilemma Sergeant Marx
must face in his decision to act as either a top sergeant, Jewish man, or human being (Paterson,
136). Marx's internal quarrels, in turn, cause him to constantly question his beliefs, thus leading
him to a burdensome battle he must conquer in order to retain his faith.
As the story progresses, Roth makes use of dilemma through the main character and
protagonist, Sergeant Nathan Marx (Searles, 102). Marx's character is always in a state of
uncertainty in his numerous encounters with one of his Jewish trainees, Sheldon Grossbart. Since
Marx is also Jewish, Grossbart cunningly attempts to use this common trait as a way to receive
special privileges from Marx. Through each encounter, Marx's true character and personality are
revealed by the use of this dilemma. While Grossbart continues to gain pity for his Jewishness
from the sergeant, Marx is aware of Grossbart's sly tactics yet repeatedly gives in to his requests.
Although Marx is a die-hard soldier, programmed and determined to carry out the important task
of preparing his men for war, he shows the reader a sympathetic quality that breaks free of his
duty inclined thought (Lee, 43). For example, when Grossbart pleads with Marx that he must
leave base for a day to visit his aunt for the Jewish holiday, Marx is faced with the decision of
whether or not to let Grossbart leave even though it was prohibited to do so. In this incidence,
Marx agrees to the terms, believing in the importance of family and holidays. Through each
dilemma, Marx's character is strengthened yet becoming more furious as the story comes to a
close. In his final dilemma with...