The Jewess in literature and media

Abstract

From The Merchant of Venice to Daniel Deronda and finally to Unorthodox, the literary tradition of the Jewess has endured. She is virtuous, redeemable, capable of transcendence in religion or the arts, and a positive contrast to her male counterparts. For a brief moment, in the case of Mirah Lapidoth, she is steadfast to her faith. Ultimately, however, in the contemporary character of Esty Shapiro, she conforms to the longstanding literary tradition before her. (from Conclusion).