"A Contract With God" Summary

A Contract With God by Will Eisner: A Graphic Novel Masterpiece

Introduction

"A Contract With God" is a groundbreaking graphic novel by Will Eisner, often credited as the father of the modern graphic novel. First published in 1978, this collection of four interconnected stories explores the lives of ordinary people living in a tenement building in the Bronx during the Great Depression. Through its stunning artwork and poignant storytelling, Eisner delves into themes of faith, morality, and the human condition.

Brief Synopsis

Set in the Bronx's fictional tenement neighborhood during the 1930s, "A Contract With God" opens with the eponymous first story, where Frimme Hersh, a religious man, laments the loss of his daughter to a deadly disease. Feeling betrayed by God, Frimme tears up his Torah and declares a "contract" with God, vowing to live a life of sin. This story sets the tone for the rest of the book, exploring the struggles and tragedies of the characters who inhabit the tenement building.

The subsequent stories revolve around different residents of the tenement, such as a young girl's search for love, an artist's struggle with success and failure, and a Jewish man's confrontation with anti-Semitism. Each story is interconnected, with characters appearing in multiple narratives, further highlighting the shared experiences and challenges faced by the community.

Main Characters

Summary of Different Story Points over Chapters

"A Contract With God"

Frimme Hersh, devastated by the loss of his daughter, tears up his Torah and renounces his faith. He embarks on a life of sin, hoping to prove that God does not exist. However, he soon realizes that his actions have unintended consequences.

"The Street Singer"

Rosalie, a young girl, dreams of finding true love. She becomes infatuated with a street singer who promises her a better life. However, her pursuit of love leads her down a dangerous path.

"The Super"

Willie, an aspiring artist, struggles to make a name for himself in the art world. Despite his talent, he faces constant rejection and frustration, forcing him to confront his own ambitions and the sacrifices he is willing to make.

"Cookalein"

Jacob Shtarkah, a Jewish man, encounters anti-Semitism and discrimination in his daily life. He must navigate the challenges of his identity while facing the harsh reality of prejudice and bigotry.

Main Events

• Frimme Hersh tear up his Torah and renounces his faith.
• Rosalie's infatuation with the street singer leads to a tragic outcome.
• Willie's continuous struggle for recognition in the art world.
• Jacob Shtarkah's encounters with anti-Semitism and discrimination.

Themes and Insights

1. Faith and Morality: Eisner explores the complex relationship between faith, morality, and the human condition. Frimme Hersh's contract with God forces readers to question the nature of belief and the consequences of abandoning one's faith.
2. Love and Loneliness: The characters in "A Contract With God" grapple with feelings of love and loneliness. Rosalie's search for love and Willie's pursuit of success highlight the universal longing for connection and validation.
3. Identity and Discrimination: The stories in the book shed light on the challenges faced by individuals who belong to marginalized communities. Jacob Shtarkah's experiences with anti-Semitism and discrimination emphasize the importance of acceptance and understanding.

Reader's Takeaway

"A Contract With God" is a powerful and thought-provoking graphic novel that challenges conventional storytelling norms. Will Eisner's masterful artwork and storytelling techniques invite readers to explore profound themes of faith, love, and identity. This graphic novel serves as a timeless reminder of the human experience and the complexities of life.

Conclusion

"A Contract With God" by Will Eisner is a seminal work in the world of graphic novels. Through its interconnected stories and stunning artwork, Eisner delves into the lives of ordinary people living in the Bronx during the Great Depression. This thought-provoking book explores themes of faith, love, and discrimination, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition. "A Contract With God" is a must-read for graphic novel enthusiasts and anyone seeking a profound and captivating storytelling experience.