Gimpel the Fool is a character with deep literary roots, especially in Jewish literature. In many ways, Gimpel is the archetypal sainted fool, the naif who is God’s chosen angel on earth and thus protected. He is also the model schlemiel, the unlucky “little man” whose ineptitude makes him irredeemably gullible. At the same time, Gimpel is like Shakespeare’s fools, a wise man who intuits deeper truths than the intelligentsia can ascertain.

However, Gimpel is far more than a fool. He chooses to be gullible because he is gentle, open-minded, and kind. He is never angered by those who would deceive him. He considers their lies, believes that all things are possible, then chooses to believe that what they tell him is true enough. Gimpel is a model of decency who loves passionately and nurtures those he loves with total commitment. He is also not a masochist; he does not suffer for his “foolishness.” He chooses to be fooled, to be used, and to forsake his dignity for the sake of others. One who never speaks ill of anyone despite provocation, Gimpel is no simple, silly optimist. He is a man of deep faith who, because of his faith, has an infinite capacity for love.