Our 13th Summer Literary Analysis

Setting in literature, is often used to determine a character’s perceptions and opinions in a story. In “Our Thirteenth Summer”, Callaghan uses setting to explore ideas about cultural and personal identity. The struggle of cultural identity is personified by the two Jewish families; the Reeds who deny their Jewish heritage and the Aschs who are openly Jewish. It is established early that this story takes place a few years after World War II. Jewish individuals were targeted by the Nazis and faced heavy persecution during the war which justify both families outlook on their identity. Robin, the son of the Reeds, claims, “My father is English and nobody is Jewish” (124). The Reeds deny their Jewish heritage because they are afraid facing prejudice