Power: Analysis of Major Characters
"Power: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate dynamics of power and identity through its diverse cast, primarily set against a historical backdrop. One key figure is Josef Süss Oppenheimer, a complex character who navigates his Jewish heritage while engaging in political machinations to gain wealth and influence. His relationships with other characters, such as Rabbi Gabriel, his uncle, highlight themes of melancholy and mysticism within the Jewish experience.
The narrative also features Eberhard Ludwig, the Duke of Swabia, whose personal failings contrast with the ambitions of Karl Alexander, a prince who resorts to manipulation and deceit, including a troubling relationship with Naemi. The characters are further complicated by the presence of figures like Weissensee, a politician with animosity towards Süss, and Isaac Landauer, a Jewish banker whose support enables Süss's ascent. Other notable characters, such as the countess and her husband, add layers of societal critique regarding class and gender roles.
Overall, the character analysis presents a rich tapestry of ambition, betrayal, and the struggle for power, revealing how these themes resonate across different identities and societal roles.
Power: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Lion Feuchtwanger
First published: Jud Süss, 1925 (English translation, 1926)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Germany
Plot: Historical
Time: Mid-eighteenth century
Josef Süss Oppenheimer (YOH-sehf sews OH-panhi-mur), a handsome, almost dandified opportunist, son of a German Christian marshal and a Jewish mother. He aids the countess'scheme to try to keep her hold on Eberhard, advises Karl and Marie financially, wields political power, gains a great fortune, engineers Karl's liaison with Magdalen, tricks Karl into a military fiasco, and is finally hanged. Though he could have lived by telling of his Christian father, he chooses to die proudly as a Jew.
Rabbi Gabriel (GAH-bree-ayl), his uncle, a man of melancholy demeanor and mystic ways, reputed to be the Wandering Jew.
Naemi (nah-AY-mee), Süss' daughter, who falls from a housetop to her death while escaping a sexual attack by Karl.
Eberhard Ludwig (AY-bur-hahrd LEWT-vihkh), Duke of Swabia, a stout, dissipated man who deserts his mistress and returns to his wife to beget an heir.
Karl Alexander, a penniless prince who, after marrying Marie and becoming a Catholic, inherits the duchy when Eberhard dies. A despicable rake, he establishes a liaison with Magdalen and later tries to rape Naemi.
Marie Auguste (ow-GEWS-teh), Karl's duchess, daughter of Anself Franz.
Weissensee (VI-san-say), a politician who hates Süss, plots against him, and indirectly causes Naemi's death.
Magdalen Sibylle (MAHG-dah-layn sih-BIH-leh), his daughter, who becomes Karl's mistress as a result of a ruse by Süss.
Isaac Landauer (EE-sah-ahk LAHN-dow-ur), a brilliant, distinctively Jewish international banker and financial agent for the countess. He gives Süss his first opportunity to rise materially in the world.
Prince Anselm Franz von Thurn and Taxis (AHN-sehlm frahnts fon toorn oond TAHKS-sihs), father of Marie Auguste. He brings about his daughter's marriage and Karl's conversion to Catholicism.
Reb Jecheskel Seligmann (YA-shas-kehl SAY-lihg-mahn), an innocent Jew arrested for the murder of a child. He is saved by Süss.
Christl (krihstl), the countess, wife of the dullwitted Lord High Steward and Eberhard's extravagant, lampooned mistress of thirty years, deserted principally because she had grown fat, asthmatic, and middle-aged.
Johanna Elisabetha (YOH-hah-nah eh-LEE-sah-beh-tah), Eberhard's bleak, sour, neglected duchess.