The image of Jews in British novel The case of Oliver Twist and Our Mutual Friend, Ulysses and The Finkler Question

This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the representation of Jewish characters in English literature by exploring the historical and conceptual development of antisemitism. The research delves into how antisemitism evolved from religious prejudice to biological and racial ideologies, tracing its transformation from ancient times to the modern era. The analysis focuses on Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist and Our Mutual Friend, James Joyce's Ulysses, and Howard Jacobson's The Finkler Question. These literary works are examined to uncover how Jewish characters were perceived by society and how these perceptions were shaped by factors such as economic crises, national identity debates, and cultural shifts of their respective periods. Furthermore, the study investigates how antisemitism transitioned from a religious discourse to racist ideologies in the 19th century and evaluates its reflections in literature. By examining these representations, the research sheds light on how antisemitism persists through literature and its implications for cultural memory and societal attitudes.