The Gentleman from Cracow by Isaac Bashevis Singer
"The Gentleman from Cracow" is a short story by Isaac Bashevis Singer that unfolds in the fictitious Polish village of Frampol, characterized by its impoverished Jewish community and the vibrant potential of its children. The narrative begins with a severe drought, which leads to a miraculous arrival of a charming, affluent man from Cracow who claims to be a doctor in search of a new wife. His lavish gifts and the excitement surrounding his presence quickly entice the villagers, leading them to abandon traditional values in favor of indulgence and luxury, including gambling and preparations for a grand ball.
As the story progresses, skepticism arises from the village's rabbi, who warns the community about the dangers of their newfound prosperity. A pivotal character, Hodle, the ragpicker's daughter, is portrayed as an outcast yet mesmerizing figure, reflecting the tensions between societal norms and individual desires. The climax reveals the true nature of the gentleman, exposing him as a demonic figure, Ketev Mriri, and unmasking Hodle as Lilith, a Talmudic demon. The narrative concludes with the restoration of moral order, signified by the eternal light over Rabbi Ozer’s grave, suggesting themes of temptation, morality, and the consequences of straying from tradition. This story invites readers to reflect on the fragility of virtue in the face of overwhelming desire and the supernatural.
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The Gentleman from Cracow by Isaac Bashevis Singer
First published: 1957
Type of plot: Allegory
Time of work: Unspecified
Locale: Frampol, a fictitious village near Cracow, Poland
Principal Characters:
The gentleman from Cracow , a doctor and a widower, the incarnation of Ketev Mriri, chief of the devilsHodle , the daughter of Lipa the Ragpicker—Lilith, a female demon from Talmudic legend, Adam's first wifeRabbi Ozer , a man of God whose warnings go unheeded
The Story
Isaac Bashevis Singer develops his narrative carefully in five parts. Part 1 introduces the fictitious little Polish village of Frampol, whose peasants are poor and whose Jewish villagers struggle against extreme impoverishment. Frampol's only asset is its children: boys who grow tall and strong and girls who bloom handsomely. Suddenly the whole area is stricken by a devastating drought that ends in a climactic hailstorm accompanied by supernatural events: "Locusts huge as birds came in the wake of the storm; human voices were said to issue from their throats."
Then an unexpected miracle occurs. A handsome young man in his twenties, dressed in gorgeous clothes, arrives in a carriage pulled by eight horses and explains that he is a doctor and a widower from Cracow, come to Frampol to choose a new wife. He immediately provides lavish amounts of food, and the town is soon basking in its new prosperity. Only a few protest when he soon has the townspeople playing cards and gambling in violation of the accepted religious sanctions. Before long, the women and their daughters are in a frenzy of activity, all hoping to be chosen by the mysterious suitor.
In part 2, the seduction of the villagers is completed by their approval of a great ball to which all the eligible young women are to be invited. Despite protests from some of the elders that such elaborate festivities are not in keeping with Jewish tradition, the young gentleman has his way, and many lush fabrics are procured by him for the girls' ball dresses. The stranger goes on merrily eating Sabbath puddings on weekdays and playing cards, never attending prayer. Rabbi Ozer warns the villagers that they are being tricked by the Evil One, but all are possessed by their plans for the ball.
Part 3 introduces Lipa the Ragpicker and his daughter Hodle. Lipa has taken to drink after the death of his first wife and now lives with Hodle, his seventeen-year-old daughter by his second wife, a beggar who left him for nonsupport. Hodle is a village scandal. She roams the village in rags, stealing chickens and ducks and creating a legend by her lasciviousness. It is said of her that she eats cats and dogs, as well as other stray creatures who have died. She is a tall beauty, with red hair and green eyes, but when the fine fabrics are distributed, she is left with only odds and ends from which to make her gown. Her fury entertains the villagers. When all is ready for the ball, only Rabbi Ozer stays at home, locked in his study. When the dances begin, the gentleman from Cracow arrives on a white mare and watches the girls swaying to the music in the marketplace. All are dancing except Hodle.
In part 4, when the ball is in full swing, the gentleman from Cracow announces that all virgins must marry that night and that he will provide a dowry of ten thousand ducats for each. Brides and bridegrooms will be matched up by drawing lots. Despite the ritual demand that a girl must wait seven days after the announcement of her forthcoming marriage, mass excitement prevails and the only protester, an old man, is gagged. At this point, a virtual orgy breaks out, but at its peak a lightning bolt destroys the synagogue, the study house, and the ritual bath. With this event, the villagers learn the truth: The gentleman from Cracow reveals himself as a grotesque creature covered with scales, having a tail of live serpents. He is Ketev Mriri, chief of the devils. Hodle takes off her dress, appearing in her true identity as Lilith, the Talmudic demon who was supposed to have been Adam's first wife. She is repulsive: "Her breasts hung down to her navel and her feet were webbed. Her hair was a wilderness of worms and caterpillars."
Rabbi Ozer restores reason and order in part 5. The people have learned their lesson. An eternal light burns over Rabbi Ozer's grave, and a white pigeon often appears on the roof of the memorial chapel: "the sainted spirit of Rabbi Ozer."