Exodus Essay Research Paper ExodusExodus by Leon

Exodus Essay, Research Paper

Exodus

Exodus, by Leon Uris, is a novel of genuine Affirmation. One of the most

prevalent of the affirmative themes is the idea of growth. Many of the

characters learn a lot about themselves, and change tremendously in a

positive way. Earlier in their lives, these characters decided to live

their life one way, but throughout the book they change, and join each

other to unite. Fighting for their common religion and fundamental rights

brought them together in a way that is barely imaginable. In Exodus, Mr.

Uris shows that a common belief can bring people together, and which leads

to personal growth. During the course of the story, the characters who

show the most growth are Ari Ben Canaan, Kitty Fremont, and Dov Landau.

Ari Ben Canaan undergoes change through his relationship with Kitty. Ari

is what is known as a sabra. A sabra is actually a small fruit which is

hard on the outside and soft on the inside. This metaphor is used to

describe young Jewish freedom fighters, because of their hard exterior.

But inside, what drives them is their determination and deep emotions. Ari

Ben Canaan fits this description. What is different about him is that he

is at the very extreme. His exterior is hard and completely unemotional,

and he finds it impossible to get in touch with any of his emotions. When

Ari was 14 years old, while bringing grain to a nearby Arab village, he was

beat up by a gang of Arab boys and his grain was stolen. After that

incident, his father, Barak Ben Canaan, taught Ari to use a bull whip and

defend himself. At 15, Ari joined the secret Army of Self Defense, the

Haganah. A few years later, Ari s young wife Dafna was brutally murdered

and raped by Arabs. Instead of responding violently, Ari only deepened his

determination to keep the land of Palestine for the Jewish people. These

few events in Ari s life show the complexity of his personality and

experiences, and help to show just why Ari is so determined for the cause.

Years later, after meeting Kitty Fremont, Ari loves her, but cannot tell

her so. It is impossible for him to admit his feelings so easily, even

though truthfully he loves her more deeply than he loved Dafna. Through

their experiences together, they build a friendship, and both of them want

more than that but neither will admit it. What brings them to finally

accept each other is the death of Karen, which finally made Ari question

his ideals, after everyone has died. Ari breaks down and cries, something

he has never done before. He is not ready to completely change his ways,

he says to Kitty, “…it may be forever before I can ever again say that

my need for you comes first, before all other things…before the needs of

this country.” (page 599). But still, he has taken a giant leap and shown

his emotions, which shows a great amount of growth on his part.

Kitty Fremont also shows growth in her relationship with Ari, but she

personally grows more with her views on involvement with the Jewish movement,

and by being able to separate herself from Karen. In both of these areas,

Kitty starts out with one point of view, and is able to expand her thoughts

to include what is best for everyone. At first, Kitty wants nothing to do

with the whole thing, “Everything connected with Caraolos is neck deep in

politics. I am certain that the British have their reasons. I don t wish

to take sides.” (page 51). What makes her cooperate with the plan, and work

as a nurse in the Caraolos displaced persons camp, is the fact that Karen

Hansen Clement is there. Karen reminds Kitty of her dead daughter, Sandra,

and Kitty uses Karen as a replacement, to have somebody to love as a daughter.

She knows deep down that it is not Sandra and that she ll never have her

baby back, but she still lets herself become attached to Karen. Her intention

is to bring Karen back to America with her, but Karen wishes to stay in

Palestine. Kitty can not comprehend Karen s determination and love for the

land, which goes along with her lack of understanding with the cause.

Kitty sees everything as a foreigner, she doesn t feel as if the land belongs

to her, as the Jewish feel. She even convinces Karen to come to America after

Dov sends Karen a letter that he hates her. But then she realizes she cannot

leave, and that it would be cruel to force Karen to leave as well. A letter

from Harriet Saltzman is one of the things that changed her mind. This letter

read, “You have asked my opinion of the common denominator and the reason we

are able to get such quick recoveries and dynamic results from those children

who are borderline psychopaths. Well, I think you know that answer far better

than I. You gave it to me the first time I saw you in Jerusalem. The wonder

drug is “Eretz Israel.” The spirit is so strong here it seems unnatural.

They desire o

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