Comments on: Jewish Themes in Lemony Snicket’s novels

By: Leora

Leora — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 16:02:46 +0000

Ethmarillea, thanks for writing in your comment! I didn’t pick up on the snake and apple thing. Which means Daniel Handler can’t be “too Jewish” (whatever that means), otherwise he’d know that the “pri etz” is probably not an apple; that idea seems to be Christian in its roots. Grapes or figs seems like a more “Jewish” response for what the fruit of Gan Eden was.

By: ethmarillea

ethmarillea — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:22:04 +0000

Yes, you’re absolutely right. Snicket is himself Jewish. And the story is also reflecting his idea about Jewish story. You can see “The Eye”, completely fulfilled Olaf’s house, and the bitter darkness of his surround. And in the last series, 13th book, you can find the main idea. That the snake gives the eternal apple to the children, for saving them from Olaf.
Thanks for the news.

By: Mike Turniansky

Mike Turniansky — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 19:49:45 +0000

Handler himself says so in an interview in Moment magazine:
Has the series been influenced by Jewish history?
I think there is something naturally Jewish about unending misery, yes. I mean, I guess naturally but not exclusively Jewish. I’m Jewish so, by default, the characters I create are Jewish, I think. Then I think I have something of a Jewish sensibility shaped by having a Jewish upbringing and so, therefore, books that I produce would be somewhat Jewish in tone.
http://www.momentmag.com/Exclusive/2007/2007-02/200702-Handler.html

By: Vanessa

Vanessa — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 18:33:24 +0000

Yes, very much so. I am not Jewish myself, but very interested in the literature and customs of the Jewish people. When I started reading the series, I was struck immediately by the many motifs, themes and concepts from Jewish mythology, history and philosophy that Handler incorporates.