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Symbolism Of Baptism In Literature

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According to concepts by Foster in How to Read Literature Like a Professor, baptism is utilized in literature as a symbolic figure of rebirth. Baptism could happen in a variety of ways in literature, however, according to Foster, it must be “death and rebirth through the medium of water” (Foster 163). Their Eyes Were Watching God displays the concept of baptism through the brutal and harsh hurricanes that flood Janie’s home in the Everglades. Before the hurricane demolished Janie’s home in the south, Janie was married to Tea Cake, free to do as she wished for the most part but not completely independent. This was the way she lived, until her quiet, peaceful life was completely demolished by the hurricane. During the hurricane, “she screamed
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It was August 29, 2005. A massive hurricane hit the gulf coast of the United States. There were 1,836 people killed. At least 70,000 people were rescued. The people of Louisiana needed hope that their lives would be rebuilt, so as governor, Kathleen Blanco gave an inspirational speech called the “Address to a Joint Session of the Louisiana State Legislature.

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In the novel The Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver, Leah Price moves to the Congo with her family as part of a missionary. Through their experiences in the Congo, and living amongst a community with many political conflicts, Leah discovers the importance of justice and selflessness. Kingsolver uses assertive and benevolent tones, and symbolism throughout the story to portray the voice of Leah, illustrating Leah’s determination to adamantly strive for justice and equality for Africa and its people, rather than believing that her heritage, her father and God are superior to those around her. Her father’s authority and idealism overshadows her point of view, as she is highly set on her father’s approval and ultimately, God’s approval too. By using phrases such as “But my father needs permission only from the Saviour, who obviously is all in favor of subduing the untamed wilderness for a garden (36)”, Kingsolver establishes Leah’s narrow-minded belief that her father is ‘A Chosen One from God’ and he will pacify the Congolese.

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All through the ages, the Christ figure archetype has appeared in literature and film. In Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Harry gives himself to Voldemort purposefully sacrificing himself for the benefit of the Wizarding World. In doing this he becomes the “Savior” and functions as a Christ figure in the novel. The Christ figure also emerges in real life, as anyone who acts as a role model and demonstrates moral fiber at an enormous cost to him or herself. In Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre, Helen Burns serves as a Christ figure in the novel and her fundamental role is to illustrate and reveal the pivotal Christian belief of forgiveness to Jane.

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For centuries, Christianity has been used by white supremacists as a tool of oppression against people of color. More recently, Christianity has been used to justify the subjugation of black people through their enslavement and later segregation. Despite this, the black community has often been attracted to Christianity, “the religion of their oppressors,” for numerous reasons, including the hope for liberation (Brown Douglas xii). Black people raised in the Christian tradition have also rejected the religion in recognition of its unjust qualities. The challenge facing black Christians and those who deny white supremacy is whether to have faith in the liberating and positive aspects of Christianity, or to doubt the religious institution in light of its history of oppression.

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there in the cave she devoured them, shrieking and stretching out their hands to [him]”

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Langston Hughes short story “Salvation” epitomizes what is an internal struggle for many people, especially children, who want so badly to believe what they have been taught all their lives by their relatives, elders in the church and the preacher; that to have a relationship with God, you must be saved and only then will you be able to see him. Hughes’ Aunt Reed paints such a vivid picture of that idea beginning in the story’s second chapter: “My aunt told me that when you were saved you saw a light, and something happened to you inside! And Jesus came into your life! And God was with you from then on! She said you could see and hear and feel Jesus in your soul.”

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