Identity Quotes in The Golem and the Jinni

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Although [the Jinni] might be forced to live like a human, he'd never truly be one. (16.275)

This is a good elaboration of the previous quote. The Jinni has to let his form dictate his behavior. And by paying attention to the Syrian Desert flashbacks, you can see that the humans never quite make a lot of sense to him. It's hard to be something you don't truly understand; he'll always be a little different.

Quote #8

"If you could do whatever you wanted, without worrying about staying hidden? Would you still work at a bakery?" (17.45)

The Golem is only about six months old, so this is the Jinni's way of asking her what she wants to be when she grows up. What would a clay creature of Jewish mysticism really want to be? A rabbi? A Pottery Barn manager?

Quote #9

[The Golem had] changed just enough to wonder if she was still herself. (18.57)

The Jinni starts bringing out the Golem's more reckless side—running through the streets of New York, going out for walks at night—and she starts questioning her identity. What is her true identity? Is it how she acts, or how she was made?