As Nathan described Swede, "Of the fair complexioned Jewish students in our preponderantly Jewish public high school, none possessed anything remotely like the step-jawed insentient Viking mask of this blue-eyed blond born into our tribe as Seymour Irving Levov (p. 3). According to Philip Roth, Swede is a tall, blond and blue eyes, and does not look Jewish, which is mostly dark and dark eyes, and not quite as tall. I have seen some blonde Jewish, but according to Philip Roth is was not that common at Nathan Zuckerman's (narrator) high school in Newark, New Jersey during World War II. Swede (he called this because he looks more Swedish than Jewish, but his real name Seymour Levov) is talented athlete, in sports like football, which is not typical Jewish, although Jewish still admire athletics and are very proud of Swede at their high school. But what Jewish admire more than athletic skills is academic successes, like doctor, businessman, or Ph.D.

Actually, I had seen quite a few blonde Jewish people, but according to Philip Roth it was not common look at Nathan Zuckerman's (narrator) high school in Newark, New Jersey, during World War II. Swede (he called first by basketball coach, then everyone nickname him because he look more Swede than Jew,...

Swede is distracting them from the war with his athletic talents. But what Jewish usually admire more than athletic, according to Nathan, is advanced degrees, like doctor, Ph.D., attorney, etc., so boy become successful adult professional with good salary. But though Jewish don't usually prize athletic skill over advanced degrees, what Swede represent, is symbol or ideal for Nathan Zuckerman, something he like, but could not, a handsome, athletic, graceful, etc., because he just intellectual brown-haired boy without handsome blondness or athletic gifts like Swede.
I think this book "American" because American people (but also other countries, too) love hero, athlete, good look, sport talents, winner, etc. But American people love to see hero fall or ruin life, like happen to Swede over time, first because of violent crimes of his only daughter, Merry. I think this book also suggest how young "shepherd" (Swede) may not always turn out beautiful, perfect, adult star, as predicted in high school. No one can stay perfect and have perfect luck