Ozick herself has spoken passionately about the role of metaphor in literature. In a 1998 Atlantic Monthly interview, she said: "Just as you can’t grasp anything without an opposable thumb, you can’t write anything without the aid of metaphor. Metaphor is the mind’s opposable thumb". In "The Shawl," metaphor is not decorative but essential—it is the only means by which the story can approach events that otherwise defy comprehension.
"The Shawl" has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1989. Reviewers have praised Ozick's lyrical prose, nuanced characterization, and unflinching examination of the human condition. The novella has been recognized with several awards and nominations, cementing its status as a masterpiece of contemporary literature.
Whether you are reading it for a course or personal enrichment,
The Shawl is a story about the struggle to hold onto humanity in the face of absolute horror. Read it the right way—with respect for the art and the artist. You will not forget it.