In Hans Sachs’ “The Pregnant Farmer,” the overall theme of this play is strikingly Anti-Semitic. Although Anti-Semitism was socially acceptable during the time the play was written, it is very interesting to see how the racist attitudes of Sachs are transcribed through comedy. I am aware that “The Pregnant Farmer” is a comedy and caricatures of social and ethnic groups of people, along with awkward, poorly communicated situations are how Sachs draws most of his comic style, but it is a serious reflection on German society of the 16th century and its racist overtones.
In Isaac’s short monologue before Heinz arrives with Kunz’s/the donkey’s glass of urine, Sachs reveals that Isaac is a devious character, trying to cheat honest, ignorant farmers out of their hard-earned money; “If my name isn't Isaac and if I don't come from Jewish stock, then I haven't made my living off prophesy and fortune-telling…I give those farmers hocus-pocus blessings or tales of treasure or anything else I can think of to get a meal…It's all baloney and bull. I don't know diddly about medicine.” This quote, highlights what may have been the general consensus regarding individuals of Hebrew descent during the Renaissance period in German-speaking areas of the Holy Roman Empire.
Today many, if not most, comedians make some type of quip or sketch regarding the state of racism, socio-economic divisions between ethnic groups, and the construction of racial slurs in the world; Sachs was simply following the formula, that the masses find entertaining. However, Sachs’ backhanded description of Isaac’s way of life is slightly more racist than humorous in this particular instance. As I noted before, Sachs’ is simply using the comic tools of exaggerated personalities (stereotypes) and slapstick situations to play up the emotions and laughter of the audience, and in 1559, it was socially acceptable for those gadgets to more racist than they would be today.
You make a good point, but what do you think about Danielle's point on a different post: Although he claims to be a fraud, Isaac actually does offer a coherent and quasi-accurate medical diagnosis--the fact of male pregnancy notwithstanding. Also, he seems concerned with the farmer's health even though Isaac is only supposed to be a trickster. This character is fascinating.
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