The story kicks off to a start when the main character Pakhom overhears his wife discussing the struggles of the everyday peasant and he reflects: “If I had plenty of land, I shouldn’t fear the Devil himself!” (204). The Devil, overhearing all this, becomes pleased and decides to put Pakhom and his belief to the test. Pakhom’s neighbours get the opportunity to purchase more land at a decent price, hearing the news Pakhom feels left out and uncomfortable at the thought of others having more than himself. This feeling of discontent with his land soon becomes the main driving force in his life, and eventually leads him to ruin. Pakhom soon has the most land in his commune which only puts a social barrier between his family and the other peasants.
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In this work of fiction, Jesus has come back in the sixteenth century to Spain and everybody seems to recognize him from the “light and power shin[ing] from His eyes, and their radiance.” (185). Not only is He recognized from His appearance but also the miracles that he accomplishes: making the blind see and raising the dead back to life. Soon after Jesus raises a dead girl he is arrested and thrown into jail by the cardinal himself. The cardinal then starts questioning Jesus after, telling Him to stay silent and not respond. It’s communicated that the cardinal is pretty upset that Jesus came back and decided to change the rules again. The cardinal then speaks of the three temptations Jesus faced and putting them in his own words, explains that Jesus has already made things difficult, and has made it even worse now that he has returned without warning. He even goes on to confess that he has turned away from the teachings of Jesus, he “[awoke] and would not serve madness.” (199). He finishes his little rant with the news that Jesus will be burned in front of everyone by the cardinal. Jesus, not saying anything gets up and kisses the old man “on his bloodless aged lips.” (202). From this startling display of affection for His persecutor, the cardinal does not follow through with his plans for
In this work of fiction, Jesus has come back in the sixteenth century to Spain and everybody seems to recognize him from the “light and power shin[ing] from His eyes, and their radiance.” (185). Not only is He recognized from His appearance but also the miracles that he accomplishes: making the blind see and raising the dead back to life. Soon after Jesus raises a dead girl he is arrested and thrown into jail by the cardinal himself. The cardinal then starts questioning Jesus after, telling Him to stay silent and not respond. It’s communicated that the cardinal is pretty upset that Jesus came back and decided to change the rules again. The cardinal then speaks of the three temptations Jesus faced and putting them in his own words, explains that Jesus has already made things difficult, and has made it even worse now that he has returned without warning. He even goes on to confess that he has turned away from the teachings of Jesus, he “[awoke] and would not serve madness.” (199). He finishes his little rant with the news that Jesus will be burned in front of everyone by the cardinal. Jesus, not saying anything gets up and kisses the old man “on his bloodless aged lips.” (202). From this startling display of affection for His persecutor, the cardinal does not follow through with his plans for