Philip Roth, of Jewish ethnicity, is a distinguished and famous writer in American literature. His first novella Goodbye, Colombus contains five other short stories; they feature Jewish characters from all classes. This diversity enables Roth to employ the humor and flippancy of the lower and upper classes (and between the two). Neil Klugman, the narrator and protagonist of this novella, lives in a working-class neighborhood and falls in love with Brenda Patimkin, a college student from a wealthy family. Roth, from Klugman�s point of view, satirizes Jews, their relationships with each other, and their interactions with Gentiles. Having many differences between the two classes whose common ground is their Jewishness, the novel indicates both their weaknesses and power. Many critics have reached the consensus about Philip Roth�s witticism and accomplished puns. For instance, Safer compares �Roth's style to that of a stand-up comic�. Furthermore, Girgus, lumping Woody Allen and Philip Roth together, states: �Both have established public identifies as Jews. Their works humorously interlace ethnic differences and relationships, sexuality, and moral and social themes.� (121) Roth lampoons his society and himself as a New Jersey Jew. In this study, I will discuss the satirical and humorous characteristics of Roth�s first (1959) novella, Goodbye, Colombus.

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