While reading Peace Like a River I discovered the main character is somewhat like an angel. This person is Reuben’s dad. There were many incidents that concluded my theory. These actions of his helped me discover the theme.
During the first chapter, Reuben’s dad was a miracle maker. When Reuben was first born, he wouldn’t breathe for over twelve minutes. Everyone, including the doctor, thought he was dead. Although, his words must of done something, because once he said “Reuben Land, in the name of the living God I am telling you to breathe.” Reuben did. To me, this seemed like an action an angel would make.
Another action Reuben’s dad made was walking on air. Reuben witnessed this when he was going to use the outhouse and saw his dad with his eyes closed walking off his pick-up truck on air. Angels can walk on air and water, too-right?
The last action that proved Reuben’s dad is an angel, was when he glowed. Some boys were being ‘impolite’ to a girl in the locker rooms, and he walked in and lit up the room. He was trying to ward off all evil by beating the boys up with his broom. Angels believe in forgiveness, and try to ‘fix’ all evil. They don’t try to get revenge. All of these actions (Especially this one) led to my decision of the theme of the story.
I believe that the theme of the story is more of a question. ‘If you believe in forgiveness, why do you use revenge?’ Most people say that they believe in forgiveness, but then like using revenge-which is a weird statement since these things are opposites. Throughout the whole story, you’re constantly asked if revenge is o.k. It’s a really tough question to answer if you tell the truth. Almost every human being has gotten revenge over someone or something. Many people believe in Christianity and the number one belief is forgiveness. So why do so many Christians use revenge? I’m not saying that all Christians do or don’t, but it’s just something to think about. This theme of forgiveness, miracles, and revenge goes on throughout the story Peace Like a River.
I thought this piece had lots of depth. The question you asked (If you believe in forgiveness why do you use revenge?) is a really tough one. I know for a fact that many people say that they believe in forgiveness, that they know how to forgive, but when someone does something serious or hurtful to them, sometimes they get filled with blind rage and need for that person to feel the emotional and physical pain that they felt. I've felt that rage, too. The fact that you have dared to ask that question in your peice, and in such a thought-provoking way, is really amazing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Olivia, I think this has lots of depth and I'd think that revenge is easier than forgivness. If your sibling broke your favorite thing in the world something unreplacible, on that second would you hit them or say sorry to them? So ya. GREAT Blog
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