Beginning of Essay
Although Gimpel did not die a fool he lived his life primarily as a fool. Singer’s use of "Gimpel the Fool" demonstrated two lower levels of the human scale. The first is the coward’s ability to justify to himself the reasoning behind his behavior. ....

Middle of Essay
.... was a fool despite his self-denial. As a necessity of his community Gimpel served the purpose of bread maker and as in all societies he served also as the scapegoat. Gimpel could have been an integral part of his society but instead he was untrue to himself and he was lost. The townspeople treated Gimpel much like the court jesters of the renaissance period, turning the baker into the village harlequin. Although the target of many pranks and antics, they were not directed at him for intentional harm. He was the target though due to his accessibility and convenience. Instead of seeking Gimpel out for his talents as the baker, Gimpel’s neighbor ....