Gimpel the Fool

“Gimpel the Fool” has been identified by many critics as an allegory, which is a story that appears to be about one thing but in fact has a hidden meaning that is moral, political, or spiritual. This literary device allows authors to convey complex ideas and teach lessons through symbolic figures and actions rather than direct statements.

In addition to being Frampol’s humble baker, Gimpel is an everyman, or more specifically, a Jewish everyman, seeking happiness in a world that makes it difficult for him to exist. Singer uses Gimpel to dramatize the plight of Jews in Eastern Europe and the culture of shtetls that was already disappearing when he emigrated from Poland in 1935. Gimpel knows that he is despised and unwanted, but he also knows he must exist, and so he must seek his place and forge his own happiness. If he must live in a world that discriminates against him, he will, by choice, forgive them their hatred and live an honorable, nonviolent life. His leaving Frampol could symbolize Jews’ need to reject old traditions that no longer serve them and embrace their own destiny.