The Lame Shall Enter First by Flannery O'Connor - Book Report/Review Example

Task The Lame Shall Enter First This story contains three main characters whom the has utilised in communicating the various themes contained within the story. The beliefs held by the characters within the story form a fundamental basis for determining the themes contained within the story. The element of disability has been utilised within the story to present different themes within the story. One of the characters, Norton, is in great difficulties following the demise of his mother and the story occurs while he’s grieving the loss. The father, however, appears unsympathetic to the son and only seeks to be realistic rather than hopeful. The element of being unsympathetic represents the theme of being concerned about the well-being of oneself. The fundamentalist element presented by Norton’s father is presented through the unsympathetic feeling of the father for the son. The father encourages the son to remains hopeful about the future life and not worry much regarding the present life. The Sheppard believes that the greatest achievement in life lies in providing assistance to other individuals. This results in Johnson perceiving Sheppard as being Jesus Christ because of his desire to help others. Despite this perceptions Sheppard does not hold Christian beliefs and has been portrayed as an atheist. He fails to tell his son about the mother being in heaven because of the limited knowledge and understanding of the Christian beliefs and values. Though he appears a religious person through his deeds, he does not have the Christina faith which the rest of the characters possess. The theme of religion is presented through the numerous beliefs which the individuals hold and utilise in making ethical and moral judgements. The theme of faith occurs repeatedly within the story and is presented through the element of disability. Norton is physically challenged but hold significantly high religious beliefs which affect the faith of individual. The religious beliefs produce the theme of faith which has been reproduced within different settings of the story. The major characters within the story have different beliefs which have become fundamental in the establishment of a clear religion. The beliefs have become a fundamental determinant of the actions undertaken by the individuals. Johnson for example beliefs that he shall go to hell hence he continuously performs negative actions because of the belief. Sheppard on the other hand beliefs doing good things is the greatest achievement for individuals. These beliefs continuously drive the individuals towards performing various actions. The desire to help Johnson results in Sheppard neglecting his son, whom he beliefs does not need any help. The element of religion is another theme which has been represented through the disability within the context of the story. Religious values have become the guidelines for different individuals within the story. While some of the characters are Christians, other like Sheppard, believe in different religious doctrines. Religion remains a common theme as the individuals commonly engage in discussion regarding the mother of Norton being in heaven. Despite the existing discrepancies in their beliefs the element of religious doctrines remains a common component within the context of the story. While Sheppard does not believe in Christianity he holds different religious beliefs which lead him towards doing well and believing that, to be the greatest achievement for an individual. Sheppard hold negative perceptions regarding Christianity because of the different faith which he possesses. ‘That book is something for you to hide behind. It’s for cowards, people who are afraid to stand on their own feet and figure things out for themselves This is the statement which Sheppard makes when he finds Johnson and Norton reading a bible. This statement is a clear indication of lack of faith and faith remains one of the fundamental themes contained within the story. Within the context of the statement, the element of standing on ones feet describes a disability which many individuals have regarding the normal tasks performed as daily responsibilities. The negative statements made by the father regarding Christianity significantly angers Johnson who at one time says that Sheppard thinks he is Christ. Despite this perception, Christianity remains something which the author has utilised in conveying the message within the story to different readers. Communication of the message within the context of the story has been limited to the different religious related themes. The themes presented within the research are commonly presented through the actions or speech of the various characters within the story. The actions which the characters undertake within the story remain based on religious components. Making negative statement regarding Christianity and the many beliefs of the religion angers Johnson who has been portrayed as increasingly religious. The bible which the young men are found reading has been stolen by Johnson. The aspect of stealing a bible remains relative in portraying the importance of religious artefacts to Johnson. The element of Christina faith remains common within the context of the story. The existence of faith among the major characters within the story is displayed through their reactions during matters regarding religious faith. Johnson possesses immense faith in the maters of heaven and hell. He believes that his deeds are not good and he’ll go to hell. He is the first person to tell Norton that his mother is in heaven. The father does not belief in heaven and hell and tells the son that he shall not see his mother again. When Norton presents the element of his mother’s whereabouts to his father, the father blatantly tells him that the truth is that the mother will never come back. Johnson raises the issue of the mother being in heaven which Sheppard does not disagree or agree. Sheppard does not tell his son about the wife, and the son develops strange beliefs coupled with numerous questions regarding the mother. The father appears unconcerned about the welfare of the son regarding the death of his mother. The Sheppard continuously asks his son to get over the death of the mother and move on, like he has done. Despite the father appearing unsympathetic, his concerns for the son become clear at the end of the story. Read More