I decided to go ahead and post another thread just for discussion of the last reading. There were some things that struck me in this one so I thought maybe others would feel the same way. We can put those things here.
I love Reuben's comments just thrown out there about faith. "Once traveling, it's remarkable how quickly faith erodes. It starts to look like something else -- ignorance, for example."
"Was it possible that real loss had occurred at the death of Israel Finch?" That sentence in reference to Finch's grandfather (I think that's right) shows how Rueben is starting to see the unanticipated consequences of Davy's actions. One of the things I like about Reuben is his unwavering examination of all aspects of the situation, even if they make him uncomfortable.
What do the dead crows on the road symbolize?
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Oddly enough, Jeremiah quotes one of my favorite Bible verses, albeit in different language than I'm accustomed to, regarding faith. The way I learned Hebrews 11:1 is "Faith is the realization of what is hoped for, and evidence of things not seen." Again, a concept much easier to cope with for an adult, who has a greater understanding of all in the world that can't be seen but can surely be felt, than for a child, who is still learning how to cope with the things he can see. Reuben will come to be wise from watching and examining the examples he's being set, both by his father and his brother, and his understanding of the unanticipated consequences, the realization of how many lives have really been touched so deeply by Davy's actions and his father's unwavering belief that they will find Davy show that his wisdom is starting to build and grow.
As for the dead crow, crows are often seen to be circling the battlefield, waiting to feed on the dead and the dying, the victims of violence. Perhaps the death of the scavenger is symbolic of the tables being turned, the victims (though at this point one could argue who the real "victims" actually are) will rise up to become the victors. On the other hand, as Jeremiah says, crows are intelligent birds, so perhaps it symbolizes the death of intelligence, even further reliance on faith, abandoning sense.
Whoa. I had no clue what the crows could symbolize, but I really like what Angela said. Very cool.
In this reading I enjoyed how Reuben did the right thing in helping his family buy necessities rather than spending all his hard earned money on what he wanted. I love how Swede related his sacrifice to that of Jo and Marmee in Little Women as her way to persuade him.
Even though he's barely made an appearance, I wonder if Andreeson could be the real-life Valdez.
How wonderful that they were bequeathed the Airstream, especially from someone the children could hardly stand.
I think that irony is another strong element in this book. I'm glad you reminded me of the Airstream. It's ironic from the standpoint of the kids view but not Jeremiah's. I'm not saying that he wanted or expected any such thing. He was just doing what he thought of as his Christian duty to provide a happy, hearty welcome for a traveler.
Debra,
How far would you like us to read for this next section?
I had to laugh that Enger also found it insulting that Jo's sisters called her hair her "one" beauty. It is a backhanded compliment, isn't it?
I have been thinking about why Reuben hasn't been healed of his asthma. If his father can heal, why did he not heal the asthma? But, this section made me realize that physical healing isn't the only healing out there. Nor is it always appropriate that our problems are taken away from us or how else would we learn? When Reuben took on the physical labor, he realized he was capable of doing much more than he had imagined, and he found himself becoming stronger. He may not be cured of the asthma, but I think he's learning that he's not necessarily limited by it either.
Oh - one other thing - after so many references to The Last of the Mohicans in this book, I can't ignore it any longer. I am going to read that book finally. I'll see if I can get it from my library this week.
Hi Ruth, thank you for reminding me of the next section. I totally forgot about telling everyone what is next.
Read through "Under the Gibbon Moon" p. 204 in my book.
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