The issue of anti-Semitism in Lucky Per

The issue of anti-Semitism remains puzzling and troublesome throughout the first half of Henrik Pontoppidan's Lucky Per (1904). In one sense, this is a novel of social realism, and the inclusion of anti-Semitism in the minds and behavior of many of the main characters and some incidental ones is probably an accurate portrayal of this social issue in late 19th-century Copenhagen - and HP's direct approach and depiction of anti-Semitism as a social force is commendable; few other writers of his time recognized anti-Semitism in any form. The strongest and most well-rounded character in the first half of the novel, aside from the eponymous Per, is Per's Jewish fiancee, Jakobe Salomon; HP shows us some of the smarting, nasty comments she endures. Unlike her sister, she apparently is readily identifiable as Jewish - so people, men that is, frequently comment about he within her hearing, in a nasty, aggressive manner. She is a highly sympathetic character, and part of what we feel for her is sorrow for the slights and worse that she endures. But there's also an unsettling sense that HP crosses the line far too often. For one reason or another he describes most or maybe all of the male Jewish characters in direct accord w/ the stereotypes: small, homely, weak, shrewd, and obsessed with stature, with wealth in particular. There's not the slightest sense that as social outsiders with limited opportunities in conventional business they would gravitate toward finance and deal-making, and no sense that any of the men could be in any way physically or socially attractive (the women are another story - beautiful exotics). The Jewish men contrast directly w/ Per, who is strong and strikingly handsome. The question is, to what extent his HP portraying anti-Semitism, to what extent does he rise above it (as in his recognition of the intelligence and artistic achievement of many of the Jewish characters and families), and to what extent does he share in the biases of his age?