Reverend Buckminster Analysis Essay
Nicole Lee 8.2
Intro:
Theme: religion
Its a funny thing about religion. It can be practically anything: a mere custom in a small town, a reason to undergo change, or a place to free you from the toils and troubles of men. But in Gary Shmidts novel, he carves an exceptionally harsh portrayal of religion, settling the novel in the middle of Phippsburg, a city embedded in the forces of racism. Reverend Buckminster, the newly appointed minister, is in the centre of the First Congregation’s (a church) intention to shed themselves of Malagan residents, which we find out is an institution influenced by the self-serving interests of men. Though initially timid and afraid to voice his true opinions, the reverend …show more content…
Reverend Buckminster begins as an outspoken character. Although he secretly contradicts the decision of Mr. Stonecrop, an important Maine figure, in the elimination of Malagan residents, he attempts to convince himself that this was the right thing to do granted that they share the same views. He forbids Turner to go by Malaga Island, whom instantly finds a loophole “Well, the reverend had said nothing about talking to her or throwing a baseball with her” showing that despite his efforts to separate Turner from Malaga, they do not have any effect on him whatsoever. Reverend Buckminster acts as an antagonist to the development of Turner and Lizzies friendship, because he feels that by putting a stopper to Turners relationships with Malagan Residents, Turner would be shield from the emotional consequences of Maine’s intention. Later on, however, he opens up to new perspectives, eventually standing up for his son against the destruction of …show more content…
Reverend Buckminster shows courage by making that decision. “We are the town. Everyone seems to understand that except for you,” The sheriff says coldly. “What you did tonight wasn’t for the sake of the town.” The reverend replies. A peaceful promotion of forgiveness morphs into a deadly dispute that sends the sheriff to throw Turners father off the cliff edge. It was all over. He didn’t shy away from death— he welcomed it. Reverend Buckminster forfeited his life in the hopes of helping others make a righteous choice: however, he seems to have “died in vain”. Malaga was not saved. Truth, however, was later uncovered by many in the novel but also long after when it really happened, through exercise of charity and a sincere examination of ideas. This influenced Shmidt to keep the message of true religion alive through his
Nicole Lee 8.2
Intro:
Theme: religion
Its a funny thing about religion. It can be practically anything: a mere custom in a small town, a reason to undergo change, or a place to free you from the toils and troubles of men. But in Gary Shmidts novel, he carves an exceptionally harsh portrayal of religion, settling the novel in the middle of Phippsburg, a city embedded in the forces of racism. Reverend Buckminster, the newly appointed minister, is in the centre of the First Congregation’s (a church) intention to shed themselves of Malagan residents, which we find out is an institution influenced by the self-serving interests of men. Though initially timid and afraid to voice his true opinions, the reverend …show more content…
Reverend Buckminster begins as an outspoken character. Although he secretly contradicts the decision of Mr. Stonecrop, an important Maine figure, in the elimination of Malagan residents, he attempts to convince himself that this was the right thing to do granted that they share the same views. He forbids Turner to go by Malaga Island, whom instantly finds a loophole “Well, the reverend had said nothing about talking to her or throwing a baseball with her” showing that despite his efforts to separate Turner from Malaga, they do not have any effect on him whatsoever. Reverend Buckminster acts as an antagonist to the development of Turner and Lizzies friendship, because he feels that by putting a stopper to Turners relationships with Malagan Residents, Turner would be shield from the emotional consequences of Maine’s intention. Later on, however, he opens up to new perspectives, eventually standing up for his son against the destruction of …show more content…
Reverend Buckminster shows courage by making that decision. “We are the town. Everyone seems to understand that except for you,” The sheriff says coldly. “What you did tonight wasn’t for the sake of the town.” The reverend replies. A peaceful promotion of forgiveness morphs into a deadly dispute that sends the sheriff to throw Turners father off the cliff edge. It was all over. He didn’t shy away from death— he welcomed it. Reverend Buckminster forfeited his life in the hopes of helping others make a righteous choice: however, he seems to have “died in vain”. Malaga was not saved. Truth, however, was later uncovered by many in the novel but also long after when it really happened, through exercise of charity and a sincere examination of ideas. This influenced Shmidt to keep the message of true religion alive through his