If we were to think of confining settings for a novel, we could dream up a few. A tiny apartment, say, or a room full of coffins. We would not pick New York City. But the Big Apple is a big prison for the Jinni in The Golem and the Jinni, because he is used to the freedom of the desert. Meanwhile, the Golem wishes she could be confined, because she longs for another master to call her own (or to call her his own, as the case may be). With such different views of freedom, how will these two ever get along?
Questions About Freedom and Confinement
- How do the Golem's and the Jinni's views on servitude differ? Be specific, please.
- Is the Golem truly comfortable with a master? Or does she learn to appreciate her freedom? Use the text to support your claim.
- Even though the Jinni is no longer confined to the flask, is he free? What does freedom mean to him?
- Which non-supernatural characters in the book experience feelings of confinement?