Henry Roth's debut novel, Call It Sleep, emerged to significant acclaim upon its initial release in 1934. Despite its early success, the book soon faded from public memory, only to be rediscovered and celebrated as a literary masterpiece three decades later. This revival in 1964 marked the beginning of the novel's enduring legacy as one of the monumental works of American literature.

The Rediscovery of a Masterpiece

Originally published during the depths of the Great Depression, Call It Sleep initially sold well enough to warrant multiple editions, a noteworthy achievement for its time. However, it wasn't until 1964, when the novel was reissued in both hardcover and paperback, that its true critical and commercial potential was realized. This resurgence in popularity and acclaim elevated the novel to its current status as a classic.

Imagery and Thematic Significance

Roth employs a rich tapestry of images to bestow the novel with a cohesive, organic unity that guides the reader inexorably toward its conclusion. The four book titles—"Cellar," "Picture," "Coal," and "Rail"—serve as pivotal thematic signposts throughout the narrative. "Cellar" reflects young David Schearl's fear, not only of the literal darkness in the tenement cellar but also of his violent father and the mysteries of sexuality.

In "Picture," the cornflower illustration represents Genya's nostalgic reminiscence of her European past and her affair with a Christian before her marriage to Albert. Contrasting this is Albert's pair of bull's horns, symbolizing his connection to the cattle he tended in Eastern Europe and his traumatic memory of his father's death. The horns further embody Albert's fears of infidelity and doubts about David's paternity.

The metaphor of "Coal" represents power, a force that David feels he lacks, connected to the biblical imagery of Isaiah's divine empowerment through a coal. Meanwhile, "Rail" alludes to the electrifying third rail, which becomes a symbol of divine power for David. This climactic imagery culminates in a scene where David encounters a vision after a near-fatal electrical shock, blending religious and sexual overtones while hinting at a reconciliation with his father.

Stylistic Achievements

Call It Sleep is not only thematically rich but also a stylistic triumph. Roth deftly utilizes a stream-of-consciousness technique that allows readers intimate access to David's thoughts. This literary device, reminiscent of James Joyce, is combined with Sigmund Freud's theories on dreams, intertwining surreal episodes with the gritty realism of New York's Lower East Side from 1907 to 1913.

Roth's narrative vividly immerses the reader in the sensory experiences of the Lower East Side, capturing its unique sights, smells, and particularly its cacophony of sounds. The dialogues reflect the diverse linguistic landscape of the time, with Yiddish spoken by Jewish characters translated into lyrical English, while their attempts at English reveal strong accents and communication struggles. Other ethnic accents, including Italian, Irish, and Hungarian, as well as the local New York street dialect, are skillfully represented, enhancing the novel's authentic portrayal of immigrant life.

A Journey of Growth and Reconciliation

Central to Call It Sleep is David's coming-of-age journey, a universal tale of maturation despite an environment fraught with potential pitfalls. Roth's portrayal of David's development is both believable and miraculous, as the boy navigates a world marked by violence and adversity. The novel's power lies in its dual achievement of providing an extraordinary depiction of early 20th-century Jewish life in New York City while conveying a timeless narrative of personal growth and family reconciliation.