Blum House

The Blum house symbolizes family. After distancing himself from the Jewish faith, Ruben has become more focused on his family and career. Within the confines of his home in particular, Ruben can pretend to be someone untouched by his past, his vocation, or his culture. He allows himself to believe that within the context of his family, he has authority and control. This proves increasingly difficult to believe, the more guests that Ruben receives in this setting.

Ruben's Career

Ruben's studies and career are symbols of power and control. After casting off the Jewish faith, Ruben has become reliant upon academia and history in order to define his character. He wants to believe that in the context of the college and his scholastic work, he has created a fixed and respectable identity. However, as Ruben anticipates Netanyahu's visit and as he hosts him, Ruben's career...