Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Behaving Like a Jew" is a poem by Gerald Stern, first published in his 1976 collection "Lucky Life." It is a poignant and introspective exploration of the speaker's relationship with his Jewish heritage and identity. The poem offers a personal and complex portrayal of the struggles and joys of being a Jew in America.

Explanation:

The poem opens with the speaker expressing his frustration and confusion about what it means to "behave like a Jew." He questions if it means to eat matzoh, light candles, or say prayers. The speaker then shifts his focus to the Jewish people as a whole, reflecting on their historical struggles and perseverance in the face of persecution.

As the poem progresses, the speaker delves into his own experience of being Jewish in America. He describes the feelings of being an outsider and not belonging, as well as the fear of being perceived as "too Jewish." He also contemplates the influence of his Jewish identity on his art and writing.

The poem ends with the speaker affirming his connection to his Jewish heritage, acknowledging the many contradictions and complexities of being a Jew in America, and expressing his hope for a future where people of all backgrounds can find common ground.

Poetic Elements:

Form: The poem consists of six stanzas, each comprising five lines. There is no consistent rhyme scheme, although some lines do rhyme. The poem's structure is free verse, with irregular line lengths and varying line breaks.

Language: The language of the poem is simple and accessible, with vivid imagery and metaphors that help to convey the speaker's complex emotions and ideas. The use of repetition, particularly in the phrase "behaving like a Jew," helps to emphasize the central theme of the poem.

Tone: The tone of the poem is introspective and reflective, with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a deeper understanding of the speaker's Jewish identity. There is also an undercurrent of frustration and anger at the discrimination and prejudice that Jews have faced throughout history.

Conclusion:

"Behaving Like a Jew" is a moving and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities and contradictions of Jewish identity in America. The poem's structure and language reflect the speaker's internal struggle to make sense of his Jewish heritage and how it has shaped his life and art. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the resilience and perseverance of the Jewish people, while also acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead in the ongoing quest for understanding and acceptance.

Poem Snippet:

"I eat my soup and look at the news of Israel,

and wonder at my age what my death will be like,

which part of my soul will be involved and where

will it float or crawl or be nailed, and where

will it end and how will it be used again?"

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