Symbolism Of Support And Solidarity In Philip Roth's The Plot Against America

Aislinn Jamieson Professor Aimee Pozorski ENG 398-02 2 March 2024 Surviving American Anti-Semitism: Symbolism of Support and Solidarity in Philip Roth’s The Plot Against America Most Americans are familiar with the concept of the United States' boasted representation as a “melting pot,” a blend of cultures, ethnicities, and religions. While seemingly encouraging an acceptance of diversity, America historically falls short in its attempts to protect and support its minority groups, which is a concept often explored within American literature. In his 2004 novel, The Plot Against America, Philip Roth reimagines 1940s America, examining potential events in which Charles Lindbergh, a well-known Nazi sympathizer, wins the 1940 presidential election

The first mention of the prosthetic leg occurs between Philip and his cousin after Alvin comes home from the war in Europe. When Philip asks how long it will take the leg to heal, Alvin explains that it never will because “[getting] on the leg they [made] for [him]” causes “the stump [to break] down”. Alvin’s explanation of the problems his prosthetic leg causes reflects the general lack of support for members of the Jewish diaspora and their perpetual struggle for acceptance. Throughout centuries, Jewish individuals have met continued rejection and anti-Semitism from various countries, often resulting in painful experiences. Similarly to the promised support for the prosthetic leg Alvin receives, America promises a land of opportunity, claiming to take in the “tired,” “poor,” and “huddled masses.” In the novel, however, Lindbergh’s presidency evidences a less welcoming and supportive America. This false promise ultimately results in more painful wounds for Jewish people and breaks down their spirit, comparable to the “[break] down” of Alvin’s

Roth describes Alvin’s stump as “infected,” “open,” and “crack[ing]” due to the imperfect prosthetic, which carries parallels to the consequences of Lindbergh’s actions as an ill-fitting president for the country. Under his presidency, the country suffers due to his anti-Semitic propaganda, resulting in it becoming “infected” with hatred and increasing violence, “crack[ing]” America’s sense of solidarity. For instance, Philip’s family became victims of discrimination while on a trip to Washington D.C. after a hotel cancels their reservation. Lindbergh’s policies, including government-sanctioned Jewish assimilation and relocation programs, further “cracks” the spirit of Jewish Americans. The repeated attempts to isolate Jewish Americans and “break down” Jewish communities ultimately result in both physical and metaphorical wounds on their citizens, similar to those on Alvin’s stump. The significance of the prosthetic and what it comes to represent remains important throughout the course of the novel, so much so it appears in the final