Nolan Maurer
3/13/2017
Job # 2 - Thinking Question
Was anyone else confused when they first read this story? Because I know I definitely was and I had to read it twice to fully understand it. But something I'm still confused on is what is the theme of this whole story?What was the author trying to tell us through this story? Anyone have any ideas?
I personally think the theme could possibly be about the nature of time when your about to face death, or how do you spend your final moments before death. Because time seemed to slow down for Peyton when he was nearing death, and when he closed his eyes he thought of what seemed to be the most important thing to him, family.
I was delighted and confused! I also re-read the story. I think the theme of the story is definitely open to individual interpretation. In my opinion, one of the many themes of the story portrays how scary death is for an unbeliever. As Bethany said on her blog (I think it was her blog anyway) Bierce was scared of death. Perhaps the author wanted the reader to understand his fear. Although the author was probably just trying to show how freaking freaky death is, it shows us as Christians how important it is that we follow God and, consequently, receive salvation. When Death comes to get me, I hope and pray I will have faith enough not to think of escaping it, but to think of embracing it. I also agree with your other two points Nolan!
ReplyDeleteI re-read parts of it, but I agree with Annie about the theme. There are so many was you could decipher the theme, it's kind of up to the reader to decide. The theme is how you face death, but that's just my take on it, and there are so many other possible themes. I think the way Bierce wrote the book is confusing. It's just a confusing book, meant to be confusing. I really liked this book despite that. Maybe Bierce was depicting his fear of death, maybe even if he didn't realize it?
ReplyDeleteYou all have very good points! I think that a major theme of the story is death, and the final thoughts of a man facing it, with or without God (we aren't really told which, but I'm inclined to think without). It could also be about the power of the human mind, seeing how vividly Peyton was able to imagine his escape, to the point that it's difficult to tell what's reality and what's his "dream"!
ReplyDeleteReally thought provoking question, Nolan! You guys have a really great discussion group! I'm having a good time reading all of your comments & thoughts.
ReplyDeleteBethany, the first theme you are seeing in the story could very well be true! However, if Bierce wasn't a Christian how could he be portraying such a theme? Any thoughts?
ReplyDeleteI don't think he was necessarily portraying death in a Christian manner, but I do think that a major theme is death, and our fear or lack of fear regarding it.
DeleteI get yah
DeleteI agree with Bethany, that's a great point.
ReplyDelete