Description
“The Human Stain” is a novel written by American author Philip Roth. It was first published in 2000 and is the third novel in Roth’s trilogy loosely connected by themes rather than characters, which also includes “American Pastoral” and “I Married a Communist.”
The novel is narrated by Nathan Zuckerman, a character who appears in several of Roth’s works. “The Human Stain” centers around the life of Coleman Silk, a retired classics professor who faces a scandal when he makes an unintentional and seemingly innocuous remark about some absent students. The comment leads to accusations of racism, and Silk resigns from his position.
The narrative explores issues of identity, race, and societal expectations. Coleman Silk’s life is marked by secrets and the consequences of concealing one’s true self. The title “The Human Stain” reflects the notion that individuals carry personal burdens or “stains” that influence their interactions with the world.
Philip Roth’s novel received critical acclaim for its exploration of complex social issues and its examination of personal and societal guilt. In 2003, “The Human Stain” was adapted into a film starring Anthony Hopkins and Nicole Kidman.
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