Life, Self-Sacrifice and Humanity as the Basis of Human Existence in Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt’s Novel “Noah’s Child”

Abstract

Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt is a prominent writer and dramatist, a doctor of philosophy, and the creator of several plays and performances that are now being staged in theatres around the world. Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, raised by his parents in the spirit of atheism, claimed to be an agnostic, but recently the famous author recognized the importance of religion in his work and declared himself a Christian. “Noah’s Child” is a narrative that consists of numerous elements. This is a puzzle story. Everything is there: the terrible battle, the formation of a religious worldview, and simple human actions. The Jewish child Joseph tells the story from the first-person perspective. Little Joseph found himself in the middle of a violent and devastating time, on the eve of a huge flood. This was only possible since he was born in a Jewish family. It all began on the tram. Joseph and his mother were leaving towards the other side of the town. He was only seven years old at the time. When the German troops appeared in the carriage, Joseph pretended to be a mute child because of the agreement with his parents, who were frightened that Yiddish might reveal his identity. They were obligated to wear a yellow star, but Joseph’s father, a brilliant tailor, was able to create them jackets that kept the star invisible, yet it could be seen if necessary.