Uncle Moses Character Analysis

In Sholem Asch's novel Uncle Moses, Asch makes use of vivid written descriptors to effectively portray Uncle Moses' character to the reader. Uncle Moses begins as a butcher in Kuzmin, but then immigrates to America and became a wealthy factory-owner. In his newfound social standing, he employs many workers and helps their families financially, which inflates his view of himself as a caring uncle. Later, he tries to wed a young lady named Masha, who loves another man named Charlie. Masha reluctantly weds Uncle Moses for financial security, but is disheartened because she cannot marry the person who she truly loves. In 1932, Sidney Goldin and Aubrey Scotto produced and directed the film remake of Uncle Moses, actively incorporating elements from …show more content…
Through the differences between the novel and film portrayals of the story, Asch, Goldin and Scotto employ unique techniques to bring contrasting viewpoints of Uncle Moses from Masha and from Uncle Moses himself, creating a more insightful understanding of Uncle Moses' character for the readers and the audience. In the film rendition of Uncle Moses, Goldin and Scotto employ acting styles to portray Masha's view of Uncle Moses and Uncle Moses' view of himself. When Uncle Moses visits Masha in her household, she stays in her room for an extended period of time, unwilling to go out to see Uncle Moses. She complains and does not want to be with him, which is a strong indicator of her disinterest in being Moses' lover (Uncle Moses). Her …show more content…
While Goldin and Scotto offer more visual techniques to show Masha and Uncle Moses' view of Uncle Moses to the audience, Asch creates more detailed emotional descriptions for the reader to gain a deeper understanding of Masha' and Uncle Moses' perspectives. The novel and film both contribute to the portrayal of how Uncle Moses is viewed by Masha and by