Grossbart Analysis
Grossbart’s frequent false use of his Jewish identity is noticed by Marx and creates tension between the two Characters. Grossbart, a young Jewish boy, frequently uses his religion to gain special privileges such as days off base, kosher foods, and absence from cleaning. Grossbart uses Marx, a veteran sergeant and fellow Jew, to obtain these privileges. Marx has sacrificed the privileges and duties which come with being Jewish in order to help with the war effort by fully contributing himself and not needing extra resources or attention. Marx begins to realize how Grossbart is simply using his Judaism to benefit himself and resents him more and more as the story progresses. Grossbart’s initial request to skip cleaning duty so he can attend
…show more content…
Grossbart had begged Marx to let him go to a relatives for a late seder, and Marx, being a Jew himself, understands and allows him to go. Grossbart returns the next day and Marx questions him about how it was. Grossbart admits he “misread” and the dinner was next week. This sparks rage in Marx as he figures out he had been used, which causes him to attack Grossbart by saying, “You’ve got no respect for anything...you use us all!” (136). Marx is finally confronting Grossbart about his abuse of his religion, accusing him of not respecting it at all. He knows now that Grossbart has used their common religion as a tool to make Marx more willing to allow Grossbart to obtain privileges most of the other soldiers don't have, which contrasts Marx’s personal beliefs on religion in the army. This confrontation opens up a wound between the two that cannot be healed. The reality of the situation is evident and there is no covering it up. Grossbart’s mistreatment and misuse of his religion has been realized by Marx, and the tension between the two characters is massive. The manipulation by Grossbart of the course of the book is evidence to Marx that Grossbart is a “crook” and lies to get privileges in the army. At first his manipulation was subtle, and Marx realized it but left it unsaid, letting the tension build and build until finally, he explodes and brings the issue to the
Grossbart had begged Marx to let him go to a relatives for a late seder, and Marx, being a Jew himself, understands and allows him to go. Grossbart returns the next day and Marx questions him about how it was. Grossbart admits he “misread” and the dinner was next week. This sparks rage in Marx as he figures out he had been used, which causes him to attack Grossbart by saying, “You’ve got no respect for anything...you use us all!” (136). Marx is finally confronting Grossbart about his abuse of his religion, accusing him of not respecting it at all. He knows now that Grossbart has used their common religion as a tool to make Marx more willing to allow Grossbart to obtain privileges most of the other soldiers don't have, which contrasts Marx’s personal beliefs on religion in the army. This confrontation opens up a wound between the two that cannot be healed. The reality of the situation is evident and there is no covering it up. Grossbart’s mistreatment and misuse of his religion has been realized by Marx, and the tension between the two characters is massive. The manipulation by Grossbart of the course of the book is evidence to Marx that Grossbart is a “crook” and lies to get privileges in the army. At first his manipulation was subtle, and Marx realized it but left it unsaid, letting the tension build and build until finally, he explodes and brings the issue to the