First Conversion Of The Jews Compare And Contrast

Jackson Lupardus

Ms. Lane

College Literature

25 April 2023

Comparison of “First Confession” and “The Conversion of the Jews” Both stories, “First Confession'' by Frank O’Connor and “The Conversion of the Jews” by Philip Roth, not only revolve solely around faith and religion but also the process of questioning it. Though what is so significant between the two, is that it speaks about doubt in a good light. Doubt is only natural, and without doubt, how can one truly have faith? This is the question that bridges the gap between these stories. Doubt isn’t the absence of faith, which is what most make it out to be, instead, faith always exists, even when all doubt is present. Though, the reason religion plays such an important part in both stories

The story follows the protagonist, a young boy named Ozzie, who becomes progressively skeptical of Rabbi Binder’s teachings and begins to question the existence of God. Unlike Mrs. Ryan, who is depicted as a strict disciplinarian, the Rabbi is portrayed as a charismatic figure who uses his cleverness and charm to engage with his students. Although, when Ozzie challenges Rabbi Binder’s authority, their conversation quickly turns contentious, emphasizing the power dynamics at play in religious

In “First Confession,” the decision Jackie made to skip confession is a denial of the guilt and fear-based approach that Mrs. Ryan uses. This action shows that Jackie isn’t willing to surrender blindly to religious authority and is willing to doubt the teachings he has received. Similarly, in “The Conversion of the Jews,” Ozzie’s questioning and ultimately his rejection of Rabbi Binder’s authority exemplifies the importance of critical thinking and the capability to form one’s own