The Conversion of the Jews

An allegory is a story that has a second meaning connected to a political or moral message. In the case of “The Conversion of the Jews,” the ideological clash between Ozzie and Rabbi Binder mirrors that between Jesus and the Pharisees in the New Testament. The Pharisees were religious leaders who felt morally and intellectually superior to such an extent that they refused to acknowledge the teachings and philosophy of Jesus. Ozzie’s doubts about Jewish traditions and authority figures provoke physical abuse from his mother and his rabbi, just as Jesus’s questioning of these same traditions led to his death.

The Christ figure, or messianic figure, is a common character archetype in literature. The messiah is regarded as a singular savior with the ability to restore order, justice, and peace to the world. The messiah is usually reluctant to assume their role, and their ultimate victory comes through self-sacrifice. Harry Potter, Neo of The Matrix, and Superman are examples of Christ figures in popular culture.

Ozzie functions as a Christ figure, but in an inverted sense. He does stand up to injustice, saving his school from the tyranny of Rabbi Binder’s.