Ghetto Comedies

by Israel Zangwill

"Ghetto Comedies" by Israel Zangwill is a collection of short stories written in the early 20th century. The stories focus on the experiences of Jewish characters living in the ghetto, capturing their struggles, identities, and relationships within a changing society. Through a blend of humor and tragedy, Zangwill illustrates the lives of these individuals, emphasizing the complexities and challenges they face in the pursuit of acceptance and belonging. The opening of "Ghetto Comedies" introduces the character of Israel Quarriar, a Jewish artist seeking a model for his painting of the Man of Sorrows. During his quest, he encounters Quarriar, a darkly bearded man sitting on a curb in Brighton, embodying the profound sadness he aims to depict. As the narrator learns about Quarriar's past—his escape from Russia and the hardships he endures in London—these early pages set the stage for a deeper exploration of themes such as suffering, identity, and the search for dignity in a cruel world. The initial chapters illustrate not only the personal history of the model but also hint at the collective history of the Jewish community, establishing a poignant backdrop for the stories that follow.