Introduction to Part II

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters in the second part of this book. The part of the book offers the provocative thesis that "the kibbutz has impacted the literary imagination in Israel, especially in the context of the alienated, vulnerable, or skeptical outsider". It highlights the significance in literature of revisiting kibbutz sites "that demonstrate the practical applications of revolutionary change, such as the collective dining-room and kitchen, the children's house, and the clothing storehouse, all of which conventionally symbolize a private family's indoors activity." The part focuses on what is called "vernacular architecture," that is, functional buildings constructed with local materials and know-how. It explains that there is enormous tourist potential in preserving these sites, but also that kibbutz members are not always aware of the treasures that exist within their setting. The part discusses that the ways contemporary artists - visual and literary-deal with the "remembered kibbutz.