Pages 86 - 102
Chapters 12 - 14
Finally we've hit the jackpot! Vivian, Grant's girlfriend, tells Grant the reason he doesn't leave is because "[he] love[s] them more than [he] hate[s] [that] place." Now I'm guessing 'them' is his aunt, Miss Emma, his students, and the people of the town. As much as he despises being looked down upon, his community is like his family. We know he's has opportunities to leave so the reason he hasn't is because of his family ties and life's connection to this place, not matter how much he hates it. It's just ironic that he feels so much hate toward the place that homes the people he loves.
Reverend Ambrose made his grand appearance during these chapters. He of course, brought the religion card into play. After going to university, Grant has lost his faith in God. The Reverend has also pointed out, so has Jefferson. This is a similarity between the two men. Typically when a man is on death's door, he tries to seek God, or a higher power, not runs from it. I can see the religion issue arising later, and it could be a key factor in both Jefferson and Grant maturing in their ways. Not just finding religion, but having something to have faith in. Maybe for Jefferson it's having faith in himself, and Grant, faith in believing not everyone is out to bring him down.Why have they lost their religion though? The knowledge Grant gained in college contradicts what he's learned through church. This shows that Grant is more of a knowledge based character. He needs facts and hard evidence to truly believe something. God and faith have more to do with the spirit and feeling with your heart, not your head. Maybe this is why Grant has such a problem with religion. He can't grasp the concept because he can't see it.
Does this relate to his lessons with Jefferson? Does he truly believe in what he's teaching Jefferson or does he need evidence, seeing Jefferson act like a caring human, before he can really teach him? Maybe that's the connection religion has with Jefferson and Grant. Religion is just the introduction we get into what motivates Grant. We now see he is a physical character, who can't lead based on blind faith. These chapters give us a look into what goes on in Grant's mind, so perhaps we can understand his motivations better.
"King James Bible." King James Bible Defended. Web. 9 Jul 2011. <http://www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/king_james_bible7.jpg>.
Sometimes religion and knowledge sit in opposite camps. Is Jefferson being pulled by the two men? Is it a choice between going to death in a spiritual manner or going to death in a knowledgable (?) way?
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