Defender fo the Faith
...lemma through the main character and protagonist, Sergeant Nathan Marx (Searles, 102). Marx’s character is always in a state of uncertainty in his numerous encounters with one of his Jewish trainees, Sheldon Grossbart. Since Marx is also Jewish, Grossbart cunningly attempts to use this common trait as a way to receive special privileges from Marx. Through each encounter, Marx’s true character and personality are revealed by the use of this dilemma. While Grossbart continues to gain pity for his Jewishness from the sergeant, Marx is aware of Grossbart’s sly tactics yet repeatedly gives in to his requests. Defender of the Faith Defender of the Faith, by Philip Roth, is a short story that exemplifies the nature of Jewishness that is portrayed through the characters of Sergeant Marx and Sheldon Grossbart. Throughout the story, there is a recurring theme revolving around the dilemma Sergeant Marx must face in his decision to act as either a top sergeant, Jewish man, or human being (Paterson, 136). Marx’s internal quarrels, in turn, cause him to constantly question his beliefs, thus leading him to a burdensome battle he must conquer in order to retain his faith. As the story progresses, Roth makes use of d...