Wow, I’m still reeling with all kinds of thoughts and emotions after finishing this book. (sorry I’m posting this so late again!!) Rivera’s portrayal of the protagonists’ life is so painfully raw, and his method of narration, through the eyes of the child, is powerful. The reader is able to see the reality, stripped bare of adult-like pretences and reservations, of the boys’ struggle with religion, poverty, racism, and lack of acceptance and self worth; all of which are under the umbrella of his (slowly decreasing) child-like naivety.
A lot of the everyday battles faced by the protagonist are reflected in today’s society. For example his own frustration and anger in asking why, if God existed, he would let bad things happen to good people. He feels that God simply does not care, and maybe even does not exist. There is a sense of hopelessness here; a sense of refusal to accept his mother’s belief that God does exist and that he allows things to happen for reasons which may not be understood but on the other hand, that he has a special plan in the afterlife for impoverished people such as themselves.
At the end of the novel, we read that the boy comes to grips with his own reality...one that does not include God. He decides that he is able to figure everything out on his own and that he doesn’t need to hide in the naivety of his “darkness” anymore. With the boy having grown up with an understanding of the Christian religion that was very oppressive, it is understandable that he desires to be free from it. This, however, is frustrating because even though throughout this book there are people who have changed and manipulated the message of hope and grace that Christianity is said to offer, one can suggest that the foundation of this religion reveals a pure faith that there is a God who loves and saves and who does not condemn those that belong to him. The portrayal of Christianity in this book, which is so jaded, twists grace into condemnation which in turn, understandably, forces the boy to push away from his childhood beliefs as well as the hope that has been offered to him.
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Hi Jaqui,
I'm going to comment on your second paragraph which I found very interesting. I definitely think his thoughts about god and religion are essential to take into consideration over the course of the novel. I believe that his ambiguity with the existence of god has a lot to do with his frustration throughout the novel, almost like a battle he is fighting underneath it all. Since he already faces so many hardships in his daily life, one would say the last thing he should be worrying about is religion. I believe this is an important issue for a lot of Chicanos, especially those migrating to the United States. Contemplating Religion and always asking why?
Great observations!
-Kaan
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