Suffering In Moira Crone's Pecos Bill

One of humanities most nagging questions is: “What is the purpose of suffering?” In Moira Crone’s short story, “Pecos Bill”, she does not directly answer this perplexing question, but she highlights an outcome of suffering. Grace. Perhaps pain and hardship serves as a conduit through which grace is granted. Grace, throughout the narrative of “Pecos Bill”, is depicted through selfless acts which serve to alleviate the suffering of an undeserving character, Celeste. The main character of “Pecos Bill” is a tawdry young woman who spends most of her waking moments drinking. As the story progresses, it is evident that Celeste is, “a drunk and other things, such as, addict, bitch, mess, and a daughter of a sometime-bastard, slut” (10). Celeste, …show more content…
Celeste’s journey throughout the story is filled with selfless acts on the part of other characters that change Celeste’s perspective on life. First in the two men that take her into their boat and bring her to the Superdome for medical treatment. In assessing her condition, “He didn’t grab her foot…He took it in his palms like a gift” (8). The kind treatment of Celeste by the two gentlemen was contrary to what she had experienced as the norm. The next instance of grace in Celeste’s journey involved the other people in the boat. They gave up their spot in the boat to let Celeste get the immediate care she needed. Their actions confused Celeste because if she had been in their position, she would not have given up her spot. She asked herself, “What would they have done if they had known what I would have done?” (10). Celeste knew she did not deserve this kindness, but people continued to help her in situations where she would not have done the same. Even the nurses and doctors in the Superdome appeared to Celeste like, “little gods, angel people” (11). The actions of strangers helping Celeste forced her to begin pondering what motivated her to act the way that she did towards