Exemplary Bodies

The book delves into the transformation of Jewish representation in Russian culture from the 1880s onward, highlighting how the rise of biological and racialist discourse reshaped perceptions. Jewish characters evolved from being seen as religious or class Others to being portrayed as biologically distinct, with inherent traits deemed unchangeable by education or social status. This shift established enduring stereotypes that persist in contemporary Russian society, influencing literature, film, and other cultural texts.