Focus essays

Focus essays The 1940s were a time of drastic social changes throughout the world. Although World War II was centralized in Europe, its effects created a shockwave across America. American Jews faced persecution and anti-Semitism on a daily basis. While some Americans chose to support the Jews, the majority either kept quiet or joined hate groups like the Christian Front. As these hate-groups expanded and their power increased, Americans were forced to take sides. Some tried to ignore the social changes, many joined the masses, and then a few individuals stood up to the oppression. In Focus, Arthur Miller strives to portray the different attitudes and perspectives of Americans during this time of war. Miller uses the characters as representations of different groups all faced with the same problem of anti-Semitism. The main character, Newman, becomes a victim of anti-Semitism when he acquires a new pair of glasses. Gertrude, Fred and Finkelstein represent the various societal responses t o his seemingly superficial, yet complex change. The author uses the main character, Lawrence Newman, as the focal point for anti-Semitism in his epic novel. It is through Newmans eyes that the hostile New York Jew-hating environment of the 1940s can be portrayed. Similarly, Newmans surroundings are able to perceive him through his eyes, more specifically his glasses. From the beginning of the story, Newman begins to undergo a crucial transformation that will forever alter the way he looks at things. Other central characters are key to bringing about this transformation. Everyones reaction to his new glasses, including his own, brings about an extraordinary life-changing experience, where Newman must confront his worst fears. Where as once Newman saw anti-Semitism from the aggressor side, he is now seen as the victim, a Jew. Through this role reversal, Newman can no longer be the apathetic gentile, and he must decide whether to j...