Jewish Stereotype

Jewish people were seen as:

• extremely careful with money
• constantly attempting to trick, steal, ask for lower fares/prices - think DeNiro's Shylock
  
• having a devious flicker in their eyes (hence Theo's "light" experiment)
• having specific physical traits (dark complexion, curly hair, crooked nose)

Cohen embodies the stereotype of the intellectual, sickly Jewish underdog who wishes to conquer a beautiful woman despite his less-than-desirable traits.