„At Orientaleren skal tale som Orientaler…“

Abstract

This article examines the intricate functions of Jewish speech in Meïr Goldschmidt’s novel En Jøde. Starting out with an analysis of literary antisemitism, differences between the representation of Jewish figures in specific genre conventions are highlighted. It can be shown that in Danish literature until 1845 Jewish speech is presented in narrative and dramatic texts in very different ways. It is argued that in En Jøde diverse representational conventions of Jewish speech are made use of. Contrary to non-jewish fiction writers, Goldschmidt gives his Jewish characters a voice that is diverging from the Danish norm. Their particular language is not artificial like in contemporary plays but aims at showing genuine Jewish speech. This turns En Jøde into the first novel of a Jewish author that tries to present the speech of its Jewish characters as authentic. Mainly in the last chapter, Goldschmidt also implements the speech of the “comic stage Jew”, which serves several functions. First, its use points at the connection between this kind of representation on stage and anti-Semitic attitudes in Danish society. Second, it establishes an ultimate alternative draft to the failed protagonist. Third, it alienates the readers’ trust in literary representations of Jewish figures and unmasks them as fictitious. Focusing on its use of Jewish figural vocabulary, this essay offers a new perspective on Goldschmidt’s most famous novel.