The Power and the Glory

The Situation

Author's note:  To go along with the questions from our video, we decided to create a fake scenario that also relates to the book.  I tried to answer it as honestly as possible, and if you don't agree with my opinion, that's okay.

You are sitting in Language Arts class, and the lockdown drill goes off. You know this is not a practice. Before anyone could close the door, a creep comes in your classroom. He walks up to you, and holds you at gunpoint. He tells you that if you choose one classmate in the room to be shot and killed, he will spare you and the rest. If you don't tell him to kill anyone, he will kill you and the rest.

This is a difficult situation.  Automatically, I think to myself that I would at least try to pin the guy down and try to save others, but I know that that isn't an option, so I am forced to deal with what each outcome would really be.  There really is no winning here, because no matter what I would choose, someone will end up dead.  I suppose you could also argue that the person you volunteer would die either way,  but I don't necessarily feel right about that outcome, either.  There is also the point of course that if I were to only volunteer one person, then everyone else is safe.  Even knowing that, I don't think it would change my decision.  I don't think it is right to choose someone else's fate, even if it means I would save so many more lives.  If I were to live, I would still have to deal with the fact that I basically killed someone, and that in itself is something I would never be able to deal with.  Knowing that that person would never be able to grow up, and their family would deal with their absence, all because of me.  I know that if I don't choose anyone, then everyone dies, but at least I go down with them, and not have to live at the expense of someone else's death. 

Overall, that would be my decision in terms of my own ethics, but if this situation were to actually arise, I think that my initial reaction would come into play, as well.  If someone really had a gun to my head, I would probably try to kick him or attempt to take the gun away.  I understand that this isn't the point of having this scenario in the first place, but realistically, that would be what I would do.

 Q & A

Author's Note:  As many of you know, me along with the others in my group chose to create a video for our novel.  We created questions that went along with the theme of the book, and asked several people to answer these questions.  These are my answers to the questions, and what I personally think. 

Is it morally right to kill a murderer?

In terms of justice, it would be right to kill a murderer.  They did kill people, and probably are not worth it, but morally, no, it isn't right.  The entire reason we are considering to kill them is because they have killed others, and if we show that same kind of intent, no one is really getting anywhere.  I am someone who believes in second chances, and I'm not saying that the murderers should be free out there in the world, but I don't think that we should be doing the exact same thing as them. 

Is it right to fight in a war where you would have to kill people if you believe killing is wrong?

This is a difficult question.  I think it is right to fight for a cause, but at the same time, it really isn't a cause if it isn't what you believe in.  Personally, I feel that you should never go against your own beliefs, so I do not think it is right to fight in a war if it isn't what you personally feel is right.

Who or what would you die for?

I would die for any and every member of my family, because they made me who I am.  They have helped me when I have needed it, and been there for me through good times and bad times.  Life would be unimaginable without my family, and I would give my life for them in a heartbeat, because I love them and they would do the same for me. 

What do you define as a hero?

A hero is someone who is not afraid to stand up for what they think is right.  Especially in a time of need, they are there for others, and are willing to take risks if it means getting closer to reach a goal.  As little kids, we might think of people like superman who has super powers and wears a cape.  Superman doesn't exist, but we do.  We have the power to make a difference, to be a real hero, and if people have that motivation, that mean

What is your greatest conviction (belief)?

My greatest conviction is to never give up.  There are several times when it would just be easier to quit,  but I think that that is a big mistake.  If it's something you really want, it is always worth the effort to keep trying.  

Who is your hero?

 My hero would probably be my mom, because out of anyone, she has gotten me through the most.  Whatever the time, she is willing to listen to anything that is going on with me, and help me when I need it.  She has taught me so much in life, and I really look up to her for that.   

The Pedestal 

Author's note:  I chose to write about one of the main themes of this novel, which is that just because people may be powerful in society doesn't mean that they are necessarily powerful people.  As a priest, the priest is supposed to be a figure that can do no wrong, but he has faults, too.  I wrote about how Jesus too was like this way, but ultimately, it is all in the actions.  In several ways, the priest and Jesus dealt with similar issues, which is why I felt I should write about it.

  

 It is undeniable that there are people out there that are viewed more highly than others.  Most commonly are celebrities, athletes, and actors, but there are also more religious characters, like Jesus, God, and the church community itself.  Included in this community of course are priests.  We look up to them, and it seems like they are free of problems.  The priest in The Power and the Glory is no exception.  Being a priest, people look to him for guidance.  The truth of it is that he is only human, but what he does as a human means more than a status.

Often people like the priest are put up on a pedestal, and they are the ones that can do no wrong.  Jesus was seen in this light as well, and he too was far from perfect.  The priest has sinned, hated, broken rules, and really, shouldn't be such an idol, but he is because that is the way others perceive those kinds of figures to be.  In some ways, he and Jesus are exactly alike.  As humans, we like to picture Him as the perfect person, but he was flawed, just as the priest was.  However long they live is limited, but the actions they take last for ever.  The priest, like Jesus, has affected so many people.  After his execution, the priest had died, but his spirit, his convictions lived on in others, and made them try to determine their own fate.   Symbolically, at the end of the novel, the priest's spirit has been resurrected in someone else that has followed his convictions.  The message at the end is very powerful, and shows that you don’t have to be powerful to make a difference, to carry on a conviction.  It is hard to discern the weak from the brave if they hold some kind of status, but the actions they take will truly decide it for us.           

For the best 

Author's Note:  In this response, I chose to reflect on a scene from the book where the priest is traveling with a woman.  They are taking her dead child to a church,  and eventually the woman lays him down at a grave.  On the journey, all they have to eat are lumps sugar, and the woman puts a piece by the child's head, with some hope that he will come to life again and eat it.  The priest later eats that chunk, knowing that it is hopeless in waiting for a miracle like that.  I try to convey what I think and what the priest thinks in this.

Don't hold on to

Something  long gone

The moment is lost

There is no going back

You sit there and weep

About a past

And I stand watching

Doing my best

He went through much

This one here

And now he lays

Hallowed, gone

A piece of sugar

Lays at his head

Just a silent wish

For a hopeless dream

That moment is gone

He is gone

There is nothing left

No way to go

I take that piece

It's for the best

There is no point in trying

For a soul that has passed

You wanted the best

But got the worst

I pray and you pray

But a sugar won't do

This one here

He has passed

It is time you should too

For the best

 



Love is Greater Than Hate

 
Author's Note:  In Chapter 3 of part 2, the priest has been imprisoned for carrying brandy.  When he is thrown into the cell, he comes across several different characters.  There is an old man, simply waiting for his time to come, a pious woman who has wished the worst upon him, a couple making love, and several others.  Although he has made terrible mistakes, and maybe he isn't the best priest in the world, the priest is able to look past these faults, and love people for who they are, not the mistakes they make.   This instance reminded me of a student council field trip we took to WCTC.  Brooks Gibbs, a motivational speaker, spoke of a similar message, which inspired me to write this response.

No matter where we are, wherever we go, there will be someone in the world that doesn't treat us right.  They make fun of us and call us names, and sometimes it just plain hurts.  Sometimes it may be because we trip in the hallway, or we have some food stain on our shirt.  Whatever the reason, there is always going to be someone that points out our faults.  Most people, when they are picked on, would make some weak retort like "Stop it!" or "No, that's not true!"  which never really gets anywhere.  If we can look past each others insecurities, the things that make us great might become more prominent.

It can be hard to stand up for what is right, especially if no one is there to help.  The priest has been put in this difficult situation, with every odd stacked against him.  He has made mistakes, and there are people out there, like the pious woman, with the nerve to point them out.  What sets this scene apart from other similar scenarios is the choice the priest made.  Rather than point out the faults in those around him, he states that sins are beautiful, and that the priest himself is able to look past mistakes, sufferings.  After the things he has done, the priest has unknowingly taken a step in such a good direction.  Treating an enemy like a friend puts them in a state of bedlam, and they simply don't know how to respond.  The only retort from the pious woman was to hope that the priest died quickly, but there was no power behind those words.  The power of forgiveness, of love, is stronger than any thoughts she may be having.

This chapter shows the development of a character that was pegged to be long lost.  There is no denying that the message of love and forgiveness is much stronger than that of hate and grudges.  The priest has started seeing things in a new light, which is also helping him to forgive his own mistakes.  Graham Greene shares a very powerful message that is necessary in life.  If we ever want to look past other people's faults and hurtful remarks, we have to realize that Love is greater than hate.       


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Jesus and Judas

Author's Note:  In this response, I wrote a poem based on when the priest was traveling with the man with two teeth.  Having barely any teeth, I took that to symbolize that the man felt powerless.  The priest thought that he was in the presence of Judas, the apostle that betrayed Jesus.  I wrote about what Jesus would have done, as well as trying to incorporate the man's feeling of powerlessness.

 As the night fell around,
And I nearly felt rest,
The presence of you,
I knew was there.

I thought we knew,
You and I,
There were troubles faced.
Troubles to be had.

Maybe it was wrong,
Choosing you,
So many others,
Were better.

I could feel it in the air,
Your breath,
Filled with fear,
And longing.

You have your chance,
To take it now,
I am helpless,
It will be over soon,

The road is long,
And I knew it was coming,
You have been through much,
I know.

He granted me strength,
He granted me will,
He granted me a choice,
To forgive.

I know you will choose,
A different path,
But I will say it now:
I forgive you.

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Author's Note:  In this piece I experimented with the way I conveyed the message.  I chose to relate my own experiences to something that is brought up in this book.  This piece is about the necessity of childhood, and how the character Coral lacks that.


Childhood

It was just before bedtime as my parents closed Peter and the talking shoes.  I sat up once more, trying to hold off the inevitable time for sleep just a little bit longer.  "Come on, just one more story?" I begged.  "Please, Daddy?  Please Mommy? Please?"

My parents looked at each other, and finally gave in.  With a smile, my dad said, "All right, one more."

------

No matter who it is, or where it is, there is something different about being a child.  Whether your old, young, bitter, wise, there is no denying that something comes over us whenever we see children playing at recess.  A child could bring a smile to the world's angriest man.  Childhood is the most innocent of times, and without that experience, no one would truly be complete.

When I was little, I was just like any other child: curious, energetic, happy.  As time progressed and I got older, things around me, like anything else, changed.  Finally, when I was old enough to babysit, it was my turn to read the stories for the kids.  Even now, so many years later since the last time my parents read me a bedtime story, I relive those moments as I read to the kids, because it reminds me of a time when that was me.  I see those kids learning how to ride their bikes, and remember when I too was in that place.  We need that childhood, that moment, to truly complete ourselves.  This was something that Coral, the daughter of Captain Fellows, was robbed of.  Her mother sick, and her father busy with his own life, she has no direction in her life, and without the slightest idea of what a childhood truly is like.  At only thirteen, she is given the responsibility of figuring out her own life.  Childhood isn't supposed to be like that, can't be like that. 

Although no kid really thinks about it then, we all charish those moments when our parents would read us stories, or teach us how to ride a bike.  Parents need to guide their children, and Graham Greene has created a world where things like that are not present.  It is not right to rob children of that time.  To place that kind of responsibility on Coral's shoulders is taking away something that is important to every single person's life.  Without that, we are nothing.  Without that, kids are not kids.


----


"Okay, Sammy.  That's it for tonight," said my mom, putting the book back on the shelf.  Leaning over, she tucked me in and kissed me on the forehead.  My dad followed in suit.

"Goodnight, Sammy," they said, flipping the light switch.

"Goodnight Mommy, goodnight Daddy,"  I said.

Turning on my side, I closed my eyes, and slowly fell asleep, wondering why anyone would want to eat green eggs and ham anyway. 





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Author's Note: For my second response, I wrote a poem symbolizing the way that the red shirts kill the priests. I tried to show what I felt they would be feeling as they murder them.


I felt nothing

As the rain pours down,
Like the tears from above,
I think to myself,
All I have done
.
We wake each day,
And do what we do,
And we feel the sting,
Of the surroundings.

The life is hard,
And maybe I know,
But I won't feel a thing,
I don't want to.

Blood soaks our hands,
As we kill them off.
One by one they fall,
And I felt nothing.

We wipe the blood,
We drag him away,
And I felt nothing,
Nothing at all.


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What's My Name?

Author's Note: For my first response for The Power and the Glory, I decided to talk about how the name of the main character is not present. I discussed what that symbolizes, and what a name really means to a person.

Everyday, people go about their daily routine, working at their daily job. Some might be teachers, others doctors, but wherever any one ever goes, one thing follows: the name. Names are a staple of who we are, and we can't go a single day without hearing it at least a dozen times. Almost like an extra sense, our name is our title, our identity. Without our identity, there is no distinction, and we are not who we are.

In The Power and the Glory, the novel presents the priest, a quiet, nameless man who is on the run because of what he believes in. Lost in the world before him, he attempts to help others, but is unsure whether he can help himself. Graham Greene has formed a character with no name, no identity. Without an identity, symbolically he is already saying that the priest is losing his sense of self. He has lost almost everything. His fellow priests have been hunted down and killed, and he may be next.

A name is just as vital as a heart or a brain. It is almost disappointing to know that there is another person with the same name as us, whether it be in a class or at a work place. When things are changing, a name is one thing that won't. The priest has no name, nothing to take with him, nothing to remain consent, and that is what keeps the sense of mystery. We cannot let go of who we are, because if we do, we will lose more than a name.