Humbling - Mini Literary Analysis

Humbling. I would describe the novel Peace like a River as humbling. While reading the novel, I was humbled due to the fact that I was continually reminded of God’s love for me. Even though Enger was not a Christian, one can note many times throughout the text that he makes references of Christianity.

Throughout the entire novel of Peace like a River, one can only be humbled by the love that Jeremiah has for his children. Jeremiah continuously sacrifices so much so that his children could live. He gives and gives, never expecting anything in return. Does that remind you of anyone?

If you guessed God, then you get a high-five! Yes, our God is so giving! He is the creator of the heavens and the earth, the author of all eternity. Yet he gave his son so that you and I may have everlasting life. Isn’t that amazing? So humbling.

The word gift is defined as “something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation.” (dictionary.com) When Jeremiah Land gave up his life for Reuben that was a gift greater than most other gifts. Jeremiah saves his son’s life by giving him new lungs and freeing him from the restrictions that his asthma brought upon his life.  This kind of love seems incomprehensible. Through the death of Jeremiah, his son was renewed. Through the death of Jesus Christ, we can also be renewed.

As Jeremiah represented a Christ-figure within the novel, I was overwhelmed with the similarities between Jeremiah and Jesus. Enger reveals to the reader that unconditional love is in fact possible.  A famous quote that I once read is:

“How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.”

           Inspired by John 3:16, which says “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” the author of this quote was indeed humbled. This overwhelming love of God should break us of our prideful ways. We should be forever changed. But are we? Are we truly broken by God’s unconditional love? Reuben was forever changed because of his fathers love. The question is: ARE YOU?

gift. “Define Gift at Dictionary.com.” Dictionary.com | Free Online Dictionary for English Definitions. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/gift>.

Scared of death?

Many people, including Christians, are afraid of death or afraid of dying. In fact, many people are consumed by the fear of death and dying. Is this what God wants us to worry about?

In the novel The Road, McCarthy writes about death and how “Nobody wants to be here and nobody wants to leave.” This fear is probably one of the most common fears in the world. As Christians, we are told not to worry about fears such as this, but most times our mind takes over. The father asks the old man “Do you wish you would die?” and he replies “No. But I wish I had died.” He goes on to say “when you’re alive you’ve always got that ahead of you”. This section on page 169 made me think about the common fear of dying and what I would do if I were the last person on earth.

            The bible tells us not to worry about or fear dying. God does not want anyone to be afraid of death or afraid of dying. “When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" - 1 Corinthians 15:54-55.

We are told to trust God with everything. So why don’t we trust God with our fears? God knows our hearts and knows every piece of our minds. The bible also tells us that “If you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved” - Romans 10:9-10.

Over my last few blog posts I have been challenged with the thought of grief and death, which has been a fear I have struggled with.  As I have covered these topics, I have found that writing about them clarifies the idea and strengths my own heart and trust in the Lord. I hope it does the same for you. 

Coca-Cola

In class on Tuesday we discussed different objects mentioned within the novel and what they symbolized.  I thought it was interesting that such an insignificant, small, everyday item like a Coca-cola can could be of so much value.  As I reflected on the thoughts gathered in class, I expanded on and came across more reasons for the symbolism of the cola-cola.

            Okay, so here’s the scene, within the first section of the reading, the father pries a coca-cola free from a drink machine.  (This could possibly be the LAST can of coke in the world!) They sat looking at the can and the boy hadn’t a clue of what it was. The father told his son “It’s a treat. For you”.  As the young boy took the can and began drinking it, he thought it was unlike anything he had ever tasted. Could you imagine never having a coke before today? Imagine how sweet that would be?  The son then offers the coca-cola back to his father to enjoy also, but he tells his son “I want you to drink it.” This is evidence of the father’s self-sacrificing love for his son. This symbolizes God’s love for us as he gave everything for us!

When analyzing the coca-cola can within the text it was noted that the can could be a treasure. It is a token of value in their world and could quiet possibly be used as currency if necessary.  To expand on that idea, one can note that the can of Coke could also be like an artifact from a former civilization. This is evident when McCarthy writes,  “On the outskirts of the city they came to a supermarket… He sat and ran his hand around the works of the gutted machines and in the second one it closed over a cold metal cylinder. He withdrew it slowly and sat looking at a Coca-Cola.”(p.23) This section of writing in the novel heightens the importance of the coca-cola to the characters.

Furthermore, McCarthy may have used the coca-cola item to represent the deprivation of his characters. The father and son have gone years with nothing. McCarthy writes many times throughout the novel “There was nothing”. What a depressing state to live in. 

The Love of a Father

If there is one thing we are guaranteed in life, it is that at some point we will all experience death. Death is inescapable.  Yet the loss of a close friend or family member always showers us with an overwhelming amount of emotions.  In my college group at church this past Sunday we discussed the ways of grieving which, coincidentally, connects with my previous blog. There are three ways to grieve over a loss: (1) Intellectually, (2) Emotionally, and (3) Supernaturally (Spiritually). Whether a person grieves intellectually, emotionally, supernaturally or a combination of the three, it is important that we grieve. Grieving for a loved one helps us cope and heal. The intense, heart-breaking anguish indicates that a deep connection has been severed. Without a doubt, grieving is painful, but it is also necessary.

In the last chapters of the novel “Peace Like a River” I was confused and saddened by the death of Jeremiah Land. When Dr. Nickles says, “Your father should not have died, Reuben, Did you know that?” I began thinking back on the foreshadowing of this event.  On page 261 Jeremiah tells Rueben “I would take your place, son” as Rueben is suffering with asthma. I am in awe of the love Jeremiah has for his son. Jeremiah is seen as a Christ-like figure in this novel. This led me reflect and question: What kind of love is it that a father would lay down his life for his son?

This event is symbolic of the fact that God loves each one of us so much that he gave his son Jesus Christ so that we may have eternal life.  After all, God is Love. Do we as Christians show that same love towards others?

As I began reflecting more on Reuben, I noted that on page 299 it says that as he  “shut [his] eyes, the old morte settled its grip..”. The word morte means death in Portuguese. In the chapter “Be Jubilant, My Feet” Dad and Reuben found themselves looking at heaven from a distance. Jeremiah gave up his life for Reuben and as “the current got him” he drifted off with laugher and in song.  What a joyous moment that must have been!

Often times it is hard to deal with death without being angry or bitter at God and asking “Why God?”. I feel that this experience of viewing heaven from afar helped Rueben with acceptance and brought him joy to see that his dad was happy and with the Lord.  We may not be able to ‘view’ heaven, but I feel that prayer and God’s word can give us that same sense of peace by knowing our loved one is in a better place. This release can also help one move on within ones own life. Going forward doesn’t mean forgetting about the loved one who died. Enjoying life again doesn’t imply that the person is no longer missed. It simply means that your grief has run its course.

God’s word provides some uplifting words of encouragement for those whose loved ones passed away. The bible shows us that God’s view of death is much different than ours is. As Christians we should challenge ourselves to be up lifters also and to provide encouragement and comfort to others suffering with the loss of a loved one. Ask yourself: When you experience the loss of a loved one, do you rejoice and praise God for that person’s life? Or do you get angry and lose hope? Like I mentioned previously, grieving is good, it is a part of life, but what you reflect on and think about should be positive not condescending towards God. This is a challenge for me; I hope it helps you to reflect on your own actions as well.