“Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

“Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret was first published in his 2006 collection “The Girl on the Fridge”. The story exhibits many of Keret’s hallmark qualities: a darkly absurd tone, hyperrealistic depictions of violence, and a focus on ordinary individuals thrust into extraordinary, often disturbing, circumstances. It uses a deceptively simple narrative style to expose themes of dehumanization, the corrupting influence of power, and the fragility of morality in the face of war and conflict. Keret’s story forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and the potential for cruelty lurking beneath the surface of normalcy.

Main Events in “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

1. A Naive Soldier Joins the Border Police – Shmulik Stein, an Israeli soldier, is transferred to the Border Police, a unit known for its brutality toward Palestinians.
2. Culture of Violence – Stein witnesses the Border Police’s casual violence. They harass and physically abuse Palestinians with impunity.
3. Dehumanization of Palestinians– The Border Police officers view Palestinians as less than human, referring to them as “animals” and “scum.”
4. Corruption and Hypocrisy – The soldiers take advantage of their power, stealing phone tokens from a man they’ve murdered and disguising his body.
5. Testing the Idealist – The climax of the story occurs when the officers kill a seemingly innocent man in cold blood and then gruesomely mutilate his body.
6. Innocence Lost – Stein’s resistance is brutally crushed, and he finally understands the full horror of the unit he’s joined.
7. Moral Breakdown – Unable to cope with the violence and injustice, Stein faints, symbolizing the shattering of his ideals.
8. Haunted by Guilt – Stein wakes up in his bed, physically injured but more profoundly wounded psychologically.
9. The Price of Complicity – Stein’s new understanding leaves him isolated and in a state of moral turmoil after witnessing the depths of his colleagues’ cruelty.
10. Descent into Darkness – The ending suggests that Stein is trapped, and the glowing compass on the knife might symbolize the loss of his own moral compass.

Literary Devices in “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

Literary Device	Explanation	Example from “Not Human Beings”
Alliteration	Repetition of the same sound at the start of several words	“…those Border Police pricks, they’re a different army…”
Allusion	Reference to a person, place, event from history, culture, etc.	“What are you, Stein, the Red Cross?” (references the humanitarian organization)
Dialogue	Characters speaking to reveal personality and actions	“‘You know what that means,’ said Davidoff…”
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues about events that will happen later	“One day with them, and you’ll sing a different tune…”
Hyperbole	Extreme exaggeration for emphasis	“They’ll have to scrape you off the bumper of their jeep.”
Imagery	Vivid sensory description to create mental pictures	“…a hairy chest rising and falling rapidly.”
Irony	Contrast between expectation and reality	Stein expects soldiers to uphold ethical behavior, finds them monstrous.
Juxtaposition	Placement of contrasting ideas near each other	Zanzuri laughing while an old man lies injured.
Metaphor	Direct comparison without using ‘like’ or ‘as’	“…they’re wild animals…”
Metonymy	Substituting one word/concept with a related one	“…what’s your problem… He didn’t run over a human being, he ran over an Arab…”
Motif	Recurring element that contributes to the theme	Violence and dehumanization are persistent motifs in the story.
Oxymoron	Contradictory terms combined	“…root beer with a soaked rag tied around its neck…”
Paradox	A statement that seems illogical but might be true	The officer states that Arabs only want to kill, yet they are “not human”.
Pathetic Fallacy	Human emotions are attributed to nature	“Gaza looked like a ghost town.”
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things	“The needle of the broken compass… glowed brightly in the dark.”
Point of View	Perspective from which the story is told	The story is from Stein’s limited, first-person perspective.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis	“The first Arab I catch today… the first Arab I catch today…”
Simile	Comparison using ‘like’ or ‘as’	“…flat as a sheet after being emptied out.”
Symbolism	Objects that represent bigger, abstract ideas	The ripped Palestinian flag symbolizes broader oppression and conflict.
Tone	Author’s attitude toward subject and audience	Keret’s tone is bleak, critical, conveying the horror of the conflict.

Characterization in “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

Major Characters

• Shmulik Stein: The protagonist and focal point of the story. He’s a naive, idealistic soldier who initially believes in rules, justice, and the basic humanity of those he’s meant to fight. The story charts his rapid disillusionment. Key characterization methods:
  • Dialogue: His initial arguments with Davidoff and the personnel officer reveal a hint of self-righteousness, but also a belief in fairness.
  • Internal monologue: His inner thoughts show growing horror and helplessness, a struggle to make sense of the brutality around him.
  • Actions: He confronts the mute and tries to help the injured Arab, showing he’s not yet completely numb. However, his final act of violence with the knife leaves his fate ambiguous.
• The Border Police Officer: The primary antagonist, representing the dehumanizing effects of the conflict. Key characterization methods:
  • Actions: His casual violence (running over the old man), disregard for life, and the stomach-cutting scene portray him as monstrous.
  • Dialogue: His justifications (“they’re not human beings”) are chilling in their indifference.

Minor Characters

• Davidoff: A cynical fellow soldier. His main function is to foreshadow the darkness Stein will encounter. He’s characterized through dialogue and brief descriptions (“ungluing his eyes” suggests world-weariness).
• Zanzuri: A brutal, crude soldier who enjoys violence. Characterized primarily through grotesque actions (the knife incident, butting the bound man) and brief snippets of dialogue showing greed and racism.
• The Russki: A sadistic, seemingly unfeeling soldier. He’s characterized mainly through his participation in violence and his bizarre plan to use the dead Arab’s skin as a scooter cover.
• Shafik (the Black soldier): The least characterized of the Border Police. His silence and being targeted by Zanzuri’s racism subtly hints at his own position of marginalized powerlessness within the hierarchy of oppression.
• The Mute (scar-faced soldier): Defined solely through violence. He exists as a physical embodiment of the system’s capacity for brutality.

Overall Function of Characterization

Keret uses characterization to expose the horrors of conflict and how systems of oppression dehumanize everyone involved.

• Stein’s arc is a tragedy: He begins with some moral compass, but the ending raises questions about whether he too will become irrevocably corrupted.
• The Border Police are not nuanced villains: They’re blunt instruments of a system that breeds inhumanity. This makes the story even more disturbing.
• Lack of names for most of the Border Police: This reinforces their de-individualization, making them symbols of the system rather than fully-fledged people.

Major Themes in “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

Writing Style in “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

• Stark and Gritty Realism:
  • Example: The portrayal of military life is depicted realistically, with descriptions of tense interactions, brutal actions, and moral conflicts faced by the characters.
• Short, Concise Sentences:
  • Example: Keret employs brief sentences to convey the urgency and tension of the situations, such as, “Whenever he went out on patrol in one of those armored, rock-resistant jeeps, there were always riots.”
• Dialogue-Heavy Passages:
  • Example: The story is rich in dialogue, revealing the characters’ personalities, power dynamics, and the moral complexities of their situations, as seen in exchanges like, “‘He didn’t run over a human being,’ Zanzuri corrected. ‘He ran over an Arab, so what the fuck is your problem?’”
• Raw and Authentic Dialogue:
  • Example: The dialogue captures the characters’ language and attitudes realistically, with exchanges reflecting cynicism, resignation, and moral conflict, such as, “‘You just don’t get it, do you?’ the officer said.”
• Sensory Details:
  • Example: Keret incorporates vivid sensory details to immerse the reader in the environment, including descriptions of heat, sweat, violence, and chaos, such as, “The first Arab I catch today is going to be one sorry son of a bitch!”
• Specific Imagery:
  • Example: The story includes specific imagery that adds to its vividness, such as the sight of the body on the sidewalk, the sound of tokens jingling in Zanzuri’s pockets, and the descriptions of brutal actions and their aftermath.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

Literary Theory	Interpretation	Examples from the Story
Marxist Criticism	Examines the story through the lens of power dynamics, social class, and oppression.	The hierarchical structure within the military and the mistreatment of Arabs reflect power imbalances and social inequality.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Analyzes the characters’ behaviors and motivations based on unconscious desires and conflicts.	The characters’ brutal actions towards Arabs may stem from deep-seated prejudices or psychological trauma associated with their roles in the military.
Feminist Criticism	Explores gender roles, stereotypes, and representations of women in the story.	While the story primarily focuses on male characters, it may be interpreted in terms of the toxic masculinity and violence perpetuated within the military environment.
Postcolonial Criticism	Considers the story’s depiction of colonialism, imperialism, and resistance.	The mistreatment of Arabs by Israeli soldiers reflects themes of colonial oppression and resistance, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
New Criticism	Analyzes the text in isolation, focusing on literary devices, imagery, and symbolism.	Close examination of Keret’s use of dialogue, imagery, and sensory details reveals the harsh realities and moral complexities of military life.
Reader-Response Criticism	Emphasizes the reader’s subjective interpretation and personal response to the text.	Readers may react emotionally to the story’s depiction of violence and injustice, sparking reflection on their own beliefs and values.
Structuralism	Examines the story’s structure and underlying patterns to uncover hidden meanings.	The recurring motif of violence and dehumanization in the interactions between soldiers and Arabs reflects broader social and political tensions.
Poststructuralism	Challenges traditional interpretations by emphasizing the instability of language and meaning.	The story’s ambiguous ending leaves room for multiple interpretations, inviting readers to question their assumptions and explore alternative perspectives.
Cultural Criticism	Considers the story within its cultural and historical context, exploring societal norms and values.	Keret’s portrayal of military life reflects broader cultural attitudes towards power, violence, and identity in Israeli society.
Queer Theory	Analyzes the story’s representation of sexuality, gender, and identity.	While not a central theme, the story may be examined through a queer lens to explore issues of masculinity, power dynamics, and marginalized identities within the military.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

• Power Dynamics in the Military:
  • How do power dynamics manifest within the military hierarchy in “Not Human Beings”?
  • What role does power play in shaping the interactions between soldiers and Arabs in the story?
  • Thesis Statement: In “Not Human Beings,” Etgar Keret explores the pervasive influence of power dynamics within the military, illustrating how they affect the behavior and attitudes of soldiers towards both their comrades and those they perceive as enemies.
• Dehumanization and Violence:
  • How does the story depict the dehumanization of both soldiers and Arabs?
  • What role does violence play in perpetuating dehumanization within the military context?
  • Thesis Statement: Through vivid portrayals of violence and dehumanization, “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret exposes the brutal realities of military life and the psychological toll it takes on both perpetrators and victims.
• Moral Ambiguity and Ethical Dilemmas:
  • What ethical dilemmas do the characters face in the story, particularly in their treatment of Arabs?
  • How does the narrative challenge conventional notions of morality within the context of war?
  • Thesis Statement: “Not Human Beings” confronts readers with complex moral questions, inviting them to grapple with the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers operating in a morally ambiguous environment where the lines between right and wrong blur.
• Identity and Otherness:
  • How does the story explore themes of identity and otherness, particularly in relation to Arab characters?
  • What insights does the narrative offer into the construction of identity within the military context?
  • Thesis Statement: Etgar Keret’s “Not Human Beings” delves into the complexities of identity and otherness, shedding light on how individuals navigate questions of belonging, loyalty, and perceived difference in the midst of conflict.

Short Questions/Answers: “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

• How does the story establish a contrast between Stein’s initial mindset and the reality he’s about to encounter?
• The story sets up a sharp contrast between Stein’s initial normalcy and the impending brutality through the game of backgammon and Davidoff’s warnings. Backgammon is a leisure activity, suggesting Stein’s current life is relatively peaceful. Davidoff’s nervous demeanor and cryptic advice to “be strong” foreshadow a dark shift Stein is about to experience.
• In what way does the story use foreshadowing to hint at the moral dilemma Stein will face?
• The story subtly foreshadows Stein’s moral dilemma through Davidoff’s characterization of the border regiment. Davidoff doesn’t explicitly describe their actions, but his hushed tone and nervous warnings like “They’re not like us” and “They do things…” imply a level of violence and dehumanization that Stein isn’t prepared for. This creates a sense of unease and suggests Stein will have to confront his own beliefs in the face of their actions.
• How does the act of cutting open the Arab prisoner serve as a symbolic turning point in the story, and what does it reveal about Stein’s new unit?
• The act of the officer slashing open the Arab prisoner’s stomach is a horrific turning point. It’s a deliberate act of dehumanization. The expectation is to find weapons, symbols of threat, but instead, everyday items like candy and phone tokens spill out. This brutal act reveals the unit’s prejudice and disregard for the humanity of those they consider enemies.
• Beyond physical revulsion, what deeper emotional conflict does Stein likely experience after witnessing the violence?
• Stein’s reaction goes beyond physical disgust. The image of his shaking hands at the end suggests a deeper emotional turmoil. He’s likely grappling with feelings of fear, betrayal, and a crisis of conscience. He may question the cause he’s fighting for and his role within this brutal unit. The story doesn’t tell us his internal monologue, but the shaking hands leave a powerful image of his struggle.

Literary Works Similar to “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

1. “The Yellow Wind” by David Grossman – This non-fiction work explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering a firsthand account of the author’s travels through the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Like Keret’s story, it delves into the complexities of the region’s political and social dynamics.
2. “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller – Heller’s classic satirical novel offers a darkly humorous portrayal of the absurdities of war and bureaucracy. Similar to “Not Human Beings,” it examines the moral ambiguity and dehumanizing effects of military life.
3. “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien – O’Brien’s collection of interconnected short stories explores the experiences of American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Like Keret, O’Brien delves into the psychological and emotional toll of warfare on individuals.
4. “Redeployment” by Phil Klay – This collection of short stories provides a gritty and realistic portrayal of the Iraq War and its aftermath. Like Keret, Klay examines the complexities of combat and the challenges faced by soldiers returning home.
5. “Beirut Blues” by Hanan al-Shaykh – This novel offers a nuanced perspective on the Lebanese Civil War, exploring themes of violence, identity, and trauma. Like Keret’s work, it delves into the human cost of conflict and the ways in which it shapes individual lives.

Suggested Readings about “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

• Kamine, Mark. “Why it hurts.” TLS. Times Literary Supplement 5691 (2012): 19-20.
• Kashua, Sayed, and Etgar Keret. “Tell me a story with a happy ending.” pts 1 (2014): 13-14.
• Keret, Etgar. The Girl on the Fridge: Stories. Macmillan, 2008.
• Keret, Etgar. The Seven Good Years: A Memoir. Penguin, 2015.
• Marron, Orley K. “Etgar Keret’s Fantastic Reality.” With Both Feet on the Clouds: Fantasy in Israeli Literature (1976): 87-111.
• Rose, Jacqueline. “Poet of the Blind.” Index on Censorship 38.2 (2009): 173-179.
• Schwartz, Yigal. ““A Story or a Bullet between the Eyes” Etgar Keret: Repetitiveness, Morality, and Postmodernism.” Hebrew Studies 58 (2017): 425-444.

Representative Quotes from “Not Human Beings” by Etgar Keret

1. “Here comes trouble,” said Davidoff, the regiment commander’s driver, as he spotted the Border Police officer approaching.
2. “It means they’re going to move one of our guys over to them, ‘personnel reinforcement’ they call it. This isn’t the first time,” Davidoff explained the implications of the Border Police officer’s presence.
3. “Sometimes you can be such an asshole… They’ll eat you alive. Especially an Ashkenazi putz like you,” Davidoff warned Stein about the Border Police officers.
4. “Those Border Police pricks, they’re a different army, they don’t think like us at all. They’re wild animals,” the personnel officer described the Border Police.
5. “Okay, who’s the prick that stole my commando knife?” Zanzuri demanded in the tent.
6. “Your bunk’s over there,” the officer pointed out Stein’s place, indifferent to the tension in the air.
7. “They couldn’t drive down a single street without a brick flying at them,” describing the usual riots during patrols.
8. “He didn’t run over a human being, he ran over an Arab, so what the fuck is your problem?” Zanzuri corrected Stein’s accusation.
9. “Those scum have only one thing on their minds—killing you. It’s their only reason for living,” the officer explained his perspective on dealing with Arabs.
10. “Don’t touch the candy. It’s poisoned,” the officer cautioned his men after finding unexpected items in the Arab’s stomach.