Amos Oz uses a literary analysis to explain his tempered hope for an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Suggested Activity: In small discussion groups, have students explore what they think Oz is saying in this passage. What are the two forms of tragedy in the Western canon according to Oz? Provide brief familiar examples of each. Ask the students: does the ending in “Nomad and Viper” conform to one of these forms? Why or why not? Have them collaborate on an alternative conclusion to the story that conforms in particular to his notion of a quintessentially Shakespearean or Chekhovian ending. Ask students to start revising the story wherever they see fit, and invite them to approach the activity with creativity. Invite them to read aloud and/or perform the scenes that they write.