Prejudice is not a one-way street in The Assistant. The Jews distrust the gentiles, and the gentiles distrust the Jews. There's mutual suspicion and dislike. It seems to come from people being different, living different ways, and fearing that the way other people live their lives will affect one's own way of living. A Jewish mother worries that if her daughter marries a gentile, the religious heritage she has passed on to her will be lost. At other times, prejudice forms as intense animosity and animus. A criminal targets store owners for robbery on the basis of their Judaism. Jeez, can't we all just get along?
Questions About Prejudice
- Why in the story are people often referred to by their nationalities rather than their names?
- Why does Morris want no favors from a German?
- How is Ward Minogue's racism different from Frank Alpine's?
- Why does Frank go along with Ward's robbery?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
With prejudice comes alienation.
With alienation comes prejudice.