Group 1 - The core theme of "Jacob's Book" by Olga Tokarczuk revolves around the exploration of identity, faith, and the complexities of historical narratives, particularly through the character of Jacob, a religious leader in the 18th century [4][5][20]. - The narrative structure employs a "star cluster writing" style, where Jacob, despite being the central figure, is not directly portrayed, allowing for a diverse exploration of other characters and themes [17][18]. - The story reflects on the tension between enlightenment and tradition, as seen through characters like Asher Rubin, who embodies rationalism, and Gitla, who represents the struggle for personal freedom within a restrictive society [19][21]. Group 2 - The historical context of the novel is set against the backdrop of 18th-century Eastern Europe, highlighting the socio-political dynamics and the Jewish experience during this period [20][25]. - The character of Nahman serves as a representation of the classical believer, whose actions are driven by a desire for personal glory through faith, contrasting with the modern believer represented by Morifda, who seeks healing and understanding [20][21]. - The narrative culminates in a reflection on survival and the human condition, drawing parallels between Jacob's time and the experiences of Jewish families during the Holocaust, emphasizing the enduring nature of storytelling as a means of preserving history [24][25].