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Shmuel Yosef “Shai” Agnon is perhaps the most accomplished and well-known figure in Hebrew literature. Although he was born in Galicia, which is now part of Ukraine, Agnon was a pioneer in the early days of the Modern Hebrew language and came to be a symbol of Israeli culture and the Israeli literary scene, ultimately even becoming a world-known figure upon receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1966. Agnon became so well-known and respected for a number of reasons, and not simply because he was a good writer. The main theme of Agnon’s works dealt with the duality between the modern Western world and ancient religious traditions. Shai Agnon was born Shmuel Yosef Halevi Czaczkes in Galicia. He later changed is last name to Agnon, in reference to an early story of his where he discusses the concept of aguna, an unfortunate situation which happens when a Jewish man refuses to grant his wife a divorce, thus deeming her ineligible to marry anyone else. Some believe that Agnon related to this concept in a metaphorical way, as a religious Jew tied to tradition, but also wanting to connect to the modern secular world. This was a recurring them in Agnon’s works, which is surely a main reason he became so popular and respected among both religious and secular Israelis, as well as Hebrew literary enthusiasts and many others throughout the world. The type of Hebrew language that Agnon used is notable. Although the Modern Hebrew language was already being spoken around him, Agnon opted to write in a combination of Modern Hebrew and Biblical Hebrew. Many would argue that he wrote in a language all his own, which was neither Modern Hebrew, nor Biblical Hebrew. Some literary critics and academics have even referred to Agnon’s unique language by the name “Agnonit.” While most of his language did not enter into the Modern Hebrew language, his stories remain distinct favorites, for the complex tales they tell, as well as the unique language in which they are told. Many literary programs both in Israel and throughout the world offer courses offering more in-depth study and interpretation of some of Agnon’s many works. HebrewToday is one of the world's leaders in offering diverse resources for those interested in learning the Hebrew language. You can always find more information, resources and articles at: http://www.hebrewtoday.com
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