Mar. 22, 2008
Chapters 5-7
Posted in Till We Have Faces
Again, I’ve had to restrain myself from reading ahead. Ack...why do we always have to leave off on cliff-hangers!?
Discussion Notes
After reading those last chapters, we can really see the true natures of each of the characters. The king has been revealed to be a first-rate JERK, and Psyche could not be more opposite him. The Fox is more of a hero than I divined, and Redival probably couldn't be more shallow.
I think that, in these few chapters, we've seen very clearly the differences between cowardice and bravery. The king, when he found out that it was Psyche who was "the Accursed" rather than himself, he was actually relieved. He was so self-absorbed that he didn't care about anyone else. The Fox was the one who said that, if he could, he would sacrifice the kingdom as well as his life to save Psyche.
"But, Master, I'd lose not only my throne but my life to save the Princess, if I were a king and a father. Let us fight. Arm the slaves and promise them their freedom if they play the man. We can make a stand, we of your household, even now. At the worst, we should all die innocent. Better than going Down Yonder with a daughter's blood on your hands."
When Redival acted out of her own selfish interest, she ended up sentencing her sister to death. It not only shows her ignorance, but how little she cared for anyone but herself.
Orual wanted to take Psyche's place rather than let her die. I thought it was interesting when the king said this:
"There's some cursed cunning that I haven't yet smelled out behind all your sobbing and scolding. You're not asking me to believe that any woman, let alone such a fright as you, has much love for a pretty half-sister? It's not in nature."
It only shows his character all the more clearly. He didn't think it's natural that Orual should love Psyche because, in his life, his view of the natural was so skewed. His outlook on the world was centered on himself, therefore, everything else was disproportionate. He didn't understand Orual's or the Fox's desire to sacrifice themselves for someone else, especially someone for whom they had good reason to be jealous of.
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. ~ John 15:13
Discussion Questions
1. How did Psyche show her noble nature?
2. How did Bardia show his noble nature?
3. How did the priest of Ungit show his cowardly nature?
Have a wonderful Easter!
Regards,
Sylvia
Comments
Mar. 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Grace4God
I'll try to catch up on the discussions tomorrow...this week has been crazy.
But, I still am reading the book.. :)
In Christ,
Grace
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Mar. 23, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by sweetpotato
You're certainly right about the king. I noticed that not only did he willingly sacrifice his daughters life, but he managed to make himself out to be the victim. He says, "It's I who who have a right to rage and blubber if anyone has."
1. Psyche attempted to comfort to Orual during their last moments together. I would say that's pretty courageous. She faced death with dignity.
2. I loved how Bardia had "tears in his own eyes" as he talked with Orual. He was obviously a very brave man, but he had a tenderness about him. I liked that.
I found it interesting when Bardia said "I wonder do the gods know what it feels like to be a man." It reminded me of that verse, Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses , but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin ." Jesus knows what it is like to be a man, so to speak.
This is quite an emotionally complicated story. Orual has already revealed great love for Psyche, but strangely mixed with bitterness and jealousy. It will be fascinating to see how things end up.
Looking forward to everyone elses input!
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Mar. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Lillian
Again I'll say that I left a comment on the last entry just a minute ago, so I hope you find it!
1. Well she didn't seem very scared to be sacrificed at all except if she was going to starve or be eaten by a wild animal or something like that instead of being well whatever was supposed to happen to her. I didn't quite understand what was supposed to happen.
2. He didn't seem as scared of the king as most guards would be. He gave his opinion without hesitation about not wanting to serve a god over the king or the king over a god. He wanted them to settle it first so he wouldn't get tagled up it all, I think that was a VERY wise decision.
3. This one I had to think about for a minute. He obviously wants to keep his high position, but yes I can tell he is a coward, but not by his actions, well I didn't think. By what it described in the book he didn't flinch when the king put a daggar against him.
So there's that part. I would like a comment on the priest's cowardice. I know he is, for some reason, but I don't know why I know he is!
Thanks for the questions!
~Lillian
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Mar. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Earthling
1. It amazed me how perfectly calm Psyche was about the whole deal. I'm sure she had to have been terrified (assuming she knew everything that was going on)...but she always showed an increcible kind of acceptance of the situation. I also find it interesting how *she* was the one who comforted Orual when Bardia let Orual into the tower.
Another thing is, that Psyche claimed she would always feel sorry for Redival, no matter what. Here Redival is the one who caused all this, and all Psyche can do is pity her. Wish I could be more like that!
2. In a nutshell, he let Orual visit Psyche! I guess it goes beyond that, though. You have to understand that Bardia probably would have been killed if they had found out he allowed the sisters to see each other. Also, Bardia said he wouldn't let anyone else be the captain of the sentry outside of the door. He was that loyal to Psyche, even to the end, it seems. He claimed to love Psyche so much (she herself said he took care of her as a baby sometimes).
3. Well, I'd like to say that it is because he sent Psyche to her death, but I don't think that is it. As horrible as it is, it was the culture of that time. I think the Priest was doing what he thought was right ...was he beign a coward over it? I am not sure about that though. I dno't know how anyone could think it was right, but then again, he defintley believed in his religion. Is it any different than Abraham offering Isacc in Christianity? I'm a bit puzzled over it.
I think what illustrates his being a coward is the fact that he held the assembly without the King's knowledge. He knew the king would be angered over his request, and he did not want him to know what the assembly decided until he could prepare. Of course, that makes me wonder if maybe he did know what he was doing was wrong....
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Mar. 25, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Grace4God
1. How did Psyche show her noble nature?
She faced death calmly and didn't totally freak out. She knew it was worthless to fight.
2. How did Bardia show his noble nature?
He did what he knew he should, even though it wasn't following his orders.
3. How did the priest of Ungit show his cowardly nature?
He showed that all he really cared about was himself and his well-being, and was willing to sacrifice everyone else to achieve that end.
This is a great book!
~Grace
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