

He understood and acknowledged Kahn's viewpoint, but his silence during most of their discussions did not seem to be of a thoughtful nature.

However, Asher took only the techniques to heart. Not only an art mentor, Kahn also shared his philosophy and views of religion. Possibly the most obvious push for Asher was Jacob Kahn. Order custom essay Chaim Potok’s My Name Is Asher Lev Novel Analysis In addition, she also gave Asher something to reach for: "You should make the world pretty, Asher" (Potok, 30), because at that time, Asher's drawings were the only beauty Rivkeh saw in life.

She was often the focus of most of his artwork, even being the centerpiece in his (for now) magnum opus - the two paintings of the crucifixion. Not only that, but Rivkeh was also Asher's muse. If not for her interest and love towards Asher's drawings as well as their trips to the museum and her buying most of the art supplies, Asher would not have had the support he needed to go on instead of giving in to his heritage. Throughout the novel, she did her best to stay between her husband and her son, but still enforce Asher's abilities. The first agent of change in Asher was his mother. The personality that he does form seems to be the best of both worlds in a world where dualism rules all. Instead, he squirms around the issue until his personality is fully formed with the help of the people around him, specifically, his mother and father, his mentor Jacob Kahn. These sides clash almost throughout "My Name is Asher Lev", but even though those close to him teach, reinforce and often force religion and traditions on to him, art eventually prevails.Īsher does not make the inevitable choice alone and even then there is no single choice to make. On the other, there is art encompassing the artist's emotions and portraying them in form more beautiful than anything else Asher has access to. On one side there is the family's beliefs, the religious traditions and his great ancestor role-model, who Asher is expected to take after, if not surpass. Chaim Potok's Asher Lev is a dual being trapped inside a little boy.
