Brent Runyon Burn Journal Quotes

The Burn Journals is an autobiography following the suicide attempt and recovery of 8th grader Brent Runyon. Vinland Saga follows young child Thorfinn after the death of his father in battle. He joins the man who killed his father, Askeladd, in order to help pillage innocent villages, and engage in war. He grows closer to this man, and sees him as a replacement to his father.

The character of Brent Runyon parallels Thorfinn from Vinland Saga, in themes of regret and depression.
In Burn Journals, Brent sets himself on fire, avoiding problems in his life, quote (I bring it closer to my face, and it all goes up.) This great decision made on a whim shows the dramatic state Brent is in.
Thorfinn makes a similar decision, allowing himself to be

This is Brent’s first step to healing, something he would constantly ignore earlier in the book.

Brent is often alone in his hospital room, giving him time to think to himself, quote, “I had no reason to be depressed. Starting today, I will never be sad again. Page 150, Burn Journals.”. He does not always want to come to terms with his past, but as he does, we can see Brent changing in attitude, actions, and thoughts.

Thorfinn talks to Einar, a fellow slave, about his problems, gaining perspective about his purpose as a warrior, as well as reflecting on his dad’s teachings (You have no enemies. That is what he told me.) Instead of his previous, empty state, he decides he is allowed to live with regret, it does not have to consume him.

Thorfinn also lets go of his previous warrior mentality. “There's no point if you fight for peace. You'll never escape that bloodthirsty hell that way. Vinland Saga.” Thorfinn is now living in complete peace, despite the horrid crimes he

He also jokingly praises his own made up God, throughout the book. (I came up with this religion based around a god called Ace of Spades. Page 7, Burn Journals.)

Brent opposes other authoritarian ideas often, quote, (We’d open Mrs.Loftus’s file cabinets when she wasn’t looking and steal school supplies), Burn Journals, page 11. So it is to be expected that this trait remains when regarding religion.

Christianity is one of the most core human ideas shared throughout history, and is thought to save people. We can see Thorfinn following this path in the story, but the author does not place Christianity as the cornerstone of philosophy, but rather, an important perspective. Thorfinn’s use of Christianity and his connection to Stoicism is compelling, and leads him to be a great man without regret. The Burn Journals argues that such faith is not beneficial to become a peaceful, better person. Brent solves many of his issues through simple reflection, and mocks God at some points. Christianity should not be viewed as a perspective, but all truth within itself. However, the comparison leaves the reader with a valuable question to ask themselves about their