THE THEME OF TRAGEDY IN AGNON AND BRENNER’S SECOND ALIYAH HEBREW NOVELS (IN-PERSON)

This course examines the tragic mode in two foundational Hebrew novels: S.Y. Agnon’s Only Yesterday and Yosef Haim Brenner’s Breakdown and Bereavement. Both works center on disillusioned pioneers in Ottoman-era Eretz Yisrael, confronting the gap between Zionist ideals and harsh realities. Agnon draws on the structure of Attic tragedy to challenge mythic and ideological narratives, while Brenner uses physical and mental anguish to evoke a Jewish tragedy inspired by Job. Together, these texts probe the complexities of pioneering, reshaping the tragic genre within a uniquely Jewish historical and cultural framework.

Materials will be provided by instructor prior to the course.