REL 209(S) The Legend of the Wandering Jew (Same as Comparative Literature 209 and Jewish Studies 209)
The story of the Jewish man who drove Christ away when he stopped to rest for a moment on his way to the Crucifixion and was doomed to roam the earth until the Advent is one of the most enduring and productive tales of the Middle Ages. Alternately a shoemaker, carpenter, or even doorkeeper to Pontius Pilate, the Wandering Jew appears in the folklore, literature, and visual arts of every region and era in European history. This course will explore the rich and varied traditions associated with this legend from its pre-history in the Hebrew Bible and the Gospels up through its early modern and Romantic heyday. In readings ranging from medieval chronicles and Reformation pamphlets to works by Chaucer, Schiller, Shelley, and Hans Christian Andersen, we will trace the evolution of this mysterious wanderer from reviled figure of anti-Jewish polemic, to righteous convert and missionary, to learned sage. Along the way we will also examine the intersection of the tale with such legendary figures as Cain, Prester John, and the Wild Huntsman. We will then turn to several modern literary reflections and contemporary artistic renderings of the story. All readings are in translation.
Format: discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation and several writing assignments.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit:19 (expected:19). Preference will be given to students who have already taken a course in Biblical literature.
Hour: DEKEL