Ken’s comment > Likes and Comments

In both novels, the most prominent negative characters, Cohn and Wolfsheim, were Jewish and were portrayed disparagingly.

Nick said Cohn's appearance was improved by having his nose broken. Cohn had offensive personal traits, such as an over-fastidious concern for his appearance and a lack of concern for others. He was touchy, easily offended, fiercely demanding an apology from Nick for teasing him. He bullied people, taking unfair advantage of his boxing training to exact revenge over Brett.

Wolfsheim was a major crime figure, shown with sinister and socially repugnant traits, such as his cuff links made of human teeth. He corrupted Gatsby to gain access to politicians and business leaders, lavishing Gatsby with praise, but refused to honor Gatsby by attending his funeral.

Anti-semitism wasn't the main thrust of the novels, but, like anti-black racism, it was a common theme. Both writers accurately portrayed the sentiments of the era, but since Fitzgerald was the more senior, age-wise and otherwise, it makes sense that Hemingway followed his lead.

Here's a related article: http://voices.yahoo.com/racism-great-...

There are anti-Semitic comments throughout the novel. On the other hand, Cohn is described as someone who was a nice boy and did not want to partake in violent activity. He only trained as a boxer to gain self- assurance. Some scholars claim that Cohn symbolizes the pre- War generation, and actually is an outsider because he is the only non veteran in the group of ex-pats. I can see that connection. Still, the sentiments are an uncomfortable part of accepted society at the time. If you reread the book, Jake uses derogatory racial language when referring to a jazz musician.