Thursday, December 14, 2006

Twain on Jewish Women

I'm reading this fascinating book (now that the semester's over and I have tiiiiime ;) ), called Mark Twain's Jews, by Dan Vogel. I can't say I love the writing, but the content is really interesting - it's about Mark Twain's perception of the Jews, based on his writings. I really liked this quote (p. 32), written during one of his many travels through Europe, after seeing lots of paintings of Mary:

"The Italian artists painted Italian Virgins, the Dutch painted Dutch Virgins, the Virgins of the French painters were Frenchwomen - none of them ever put into the face of the Madonna that indescribable something that proclaims the Jewess, whether you find her in New YOrk, in Constantinople, in Paris, Jerusalem, or in the Empire of Morocco."

What do you think is that "indescribable something"? ;)

7 comments:

kasamba said...

I'm not sure, but I hope I have it!!!

defen said...

The nose, of course. :-P

Scraps said...

I think it is what we call "chein".

BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

Definitely the soul....

Frum Actress: You are such an interesting woman, I wish I could meet you.

Chag Semeach! May your days be filled with light

TRW said...

Kasamba - You do. It certainly flows freely from you, of all people! ;)

Defen - Funny, 'cause that was part of the discussion. Apparantly Mr. Clemens had a bit of a problem in Austria, 'cause they didn't like HIS nose!

Leati - And getting further, as of tomorrow...have an awesome time! (And good luck to you too).
Thanks. Now that I've allowed the fruitiness in, I'm all warm and juicy inside ;)

Scraps - Maybe tzniyus?

Although I really like your answer, Barbara. Soul. How I would like to meet you, too! Someday, I'll be on your end of the continent...

Have a beautiful and inspiring Chanukah to all!!

BarbaraFromCalifornia said...

Thanks for all your kind words.

Happy 7th night of Hanukah! I do wish we could meet some day.

TRW said...

Barbara - Of course!

B...cynic.