Davis Grubb’s “The Night of the Hunter” is a novel that has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its allegorical themes. The story follows the murderous ex-convict Harry Powell, who poses as a prison chaplain and preys on the Harper family in search of hidden money. The novel explores themes of good versus evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the importance of family.
Grubb’s use of allegory is evident throughout the novel, as he uses symbolic imagery to convey deeper meanings. For example, the character of Harry Powell represents the embodiment of evil, with his tattoos of “love” and “hate” on his knuckles symbolizing the duality of human nature. Meanwhile, the character of John Harper represents the innocence and purity of childhood, as he navigates the dangerous world of adulthood and learns to distinguish between right and wrong.
Background of ‘The Night of the Hunter’
Davis Grubb’s novel, ‘The Night of the Hunter,’ was first published in 1953 and quickly became a national bestseller. The book was a finalist for the 1955 National Book Award and is now considered a classic of American literature. The novel tells the story of a murderous ex-convict named Harry Powell, who poses as a prison chaplain upon his release from prison.
The story is set in a Depression-era community on a riverbank in West Virginia. It explores themes of good versus evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the resilience of the human spirit. The novel is renowned for its vivid characters, haunting imagery, and suspenseful plot.
In 1955, ‘The Night of the Hunter’ was adapted into a film of the same name, directed by Charles Laughton and starring Robert Mitchum, Shelley Winters, and Lillian Gish. The film was a critical success and is now considered a masterpiece of American cinema. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
The novel and the film have been the subject of much critical analysis and interpretation. Many scholars have argued that the story is an allegory for the battle between good and evil in the world, while others have focused on the themes of masculinity and femininity in the novel and the film.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a powerful literary device that has been used for centuries to convey complex ideas and themes in a way that is easily understood by readers. In an allegory, characters, events, and objects are used to represent abstract concepts, such as love, death, or freedom.
Allegories are often used to explore moral and ethical issues, and to provide commentary on social and political issues. They can also be used to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, as readers try to decipher the hidden meanings behind the story.
One of the most famous examples of allegory in literature is George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” which uses a group of farm animals to represent the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism. Another well-known allegory is Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “Young Goodman Brown,” which explores the themes of sin and temptation through the journey of a young man into the forest.
Allegories can be found in all genres of literature, from children’s stories to epic poems. They are a powerful tool for writers to explore complex themes and ideas, and to engage readers in a deeper level of thinking and interpretation.
Davis Grubb’s Use of Allegory
Characters as Symbolic Figures
Davis Grubb’s use of allegory in “The Night of the Hunter” is evident in his portrayal of characters as symbolic figures. Harry Powell, the main antagonist, is a representation of evil. His menacing presence and manipulative ways are a reflection of the darkness that exists within society. In contrast, John and Pearl, the two children who are pursued by Powell, represent innocence and purity. Their journey towards safety is a symbol of the struggle between good and evil.
Themes of Good vs. Evil
Grubb’s use of allegory is also apparent in the themes of good vs. evil. The struggle between these two forces is a central theme throughout the novel. The battle between Powell and the children is a metaphor for the larger struggle between good and evil in the world. This theme is further emphasized by the use of light and darkness imagery. The children’s journey towards safety is a journey towards the light, while Powell’s pursuit is a journey into darkness.
Religious Symbolism and Critique
Religious symbolism is also used by Grubb to convey his allegorical message. Powell, who poses as a preacher, is a critique of organized religion. His use of religion as a tool to manipulate and control others is a commentary on the dangers of blind faith. The novel also contains biblical references, such as the story of Cain and Abel, which serve to reinforce the theme of good vs. evil.
The Preacher Harry Powell
Charismatic Villainy
Harry Powell, the main antagonist in “The Night of the Hunter” by Davis Grubb, is a charismatic and psychopathic villain who uses his religious beliefs to manipulate and exploit those around him. With his fingers tattooed with “LOVE” and “HATE,” Powell embodies the duality of human nature and the power of persuasion. He uses his charm and charisma to win over his victims, gaining their trust and then manipulating them for his own gain.
Manipulation of Faith
Powell’s manipulation of faith is a central theme in “The Night of the Hunter.” He presents himself as a man of God, using his position as a preacher to gain access to vulnerable individuals and communities. He preaches a message of love and forgiveness, but his actions are anything but loving or forgiving. He uses his religious authority to justify his violent and manipulative behavior, leading his victims to question their own faith and morality.
Powell’s manipulation of faith is particularly evident in his relationship with Willa Harper, the widow of his former cellmate. He marries her in order to gain access to her children, whom he believes know the location of their father’s stolen money. Powell uses his religious authority to convince Willa to trust him, even as he becomes increasingly abusive and controlling. Ultimately, his manipulation of faith leads to tragedy for the Harper family.
The Children’s Journey
Innocence and Corruption
The children’s journey in “The Night of the Hunter” is a tale of innocence and corruption. Pearl and John Harper are two young children raised alone by their mother in Cresap’s Landing, Ohio. Their father, Ben, has just been executed for killing two people. The children are left to fend for themselves when their mother marries a self-proclaimed preacher named Harry Powell. Powell is a serial killer who is after the $10,000 that Ben Harper had stolen before he was caught. The children’s innocence is shattered as they witness Powell’s true nature and are forced to flee from him.
Survival and Resilience
The children’s journey is also a story of survival and resilience. They are forced to grow up quickly and learn to fend for themselves in a world that is dangerous and unpredictable. They are pursued by Powell, who is relentless in his pursuit of the money. The children are forced to use their wits and ingenuity to stay one step ahead of Powell and survive. They are eventually rescued by Rachel Cooper, a strong and resourceful woman who takes them in and protects them from Powell. Through their journey, the children learn the importance of resilience and the strength that comes from surviving adversity.
The Role of Women
Willow’s Character as a Moral Compass
In “The Night of the Hunter,” women play a significant role in the story. One of the most prominent female characters is Willow, who serves as a moral compass for the other characters. She is a strong, independent woman who stands up to Harry Powell, the villain of the story. Willow’s character represents the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of danger. Her bravery and courage inspire the other characters to do the same.
Gender Roles and Vulnerability
The story also explores gender roles and vulnerability. The women in the story are often portrayed as vulnerable and in need of protection. This is especially true for the character of Rachel, who is a single mother struggling to raise her children. The vulnerability of the female characters highlights the need for protection and support from the male characters. However, the story also challenges traditional gender roles by showing the strength and resilience of female characters like Willow and Rachel.
The Societal Commentary
Critique of the American Dream
“The Night of the Hunter” by Davis Grubb is a novel that offers a scathing critique of the American Dream. The story is set in Depression-era America, where the protagonist, John, and his family are struggling to make ends meet. The novel exposes the dark side of the American Dream, where the pursuit of material wealth and success leads to greed, corruption, and even murder.
Grubb portrays the character of Harry Powell as the epitome of the American Dream gone wrong. Powell is a charismatic preacher who preaches about salvation and redemption, but in reality, he is a cold-blooded killer who is only interested in money. Powell’s actions reveal the dark side of the American Dream, where success and wealth are pursued at any cost, even if it means destroying the lives of others.
Depiction of Poverty and Desperation
“The Night of the Hunter” also offers a powerful depiction of poverty and desperation in Depression-era America. Grubb portrays the struggles of John’s family as they try to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment. The novel highlights the desperation of people who are forced to live in poverty and how it can drive them to do terrible things.
Grubb’s portrayal of the poverty and desperation of the characters in the novel is both realistic and poignant. He shows how poverty can strip people of their dignity and humanity, and how it can lead them to make choices that they would never have made in better circumstances. The novel offers a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of Depression-era America and the impact they had on ordinary people.
Symbolism of the River
River as a Metaphor for Life
The river in “The Night of the Hunter” by Davis Grubb represents the journey of life. Just like a river, life flows and changes constantly. The river is a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. It represents the ups and downs of life, as well as the dangers that can be encountered along the way. The river is also a reminder that life is unpredictable, and that one must be prepared to face the challenges that come their way.
Escape and Transformation
The river in “The Night of the Hunter” also represents escape and transformation. John and Pearl escape from their stepfather, Harry Powell, by taking a boat down the river. The river provides a way for them to leave behind their old life and start anew. As they travel down the river, they undergo a transformation. They become stronger and more independent, and they learn to rely on each other. The river is a symbol of their journey towards freedom and a new life.
Literary Devices in the Novel
Foreshadowing and Suspense
Foreshadowing and suspense are two literary devices that Davis Grubb effectively uses in “The Night of the Hunter.” The author uses foreshadowing to hint at the events that will take place later in the novel. For instance, the opening scene of the novel foreshadows the death of Ben Harper, the father of John and Pearl. Suspense is also used to create a sense of anticipation and uncertainty in the reader. Grubb successfully builds suspense by creating a sense of danger around the character of Harry Powell, the villain of the story.
Imagery and Metaphors
Imagery and metaphors are also prominent literary devices used by Grubb in “The Night of the Hunter.” The author uses vivid imagery to create a picture of the Depression-era American river town where the story takes place. For example, Grubb describes the town as having “a river that flowed sluggishly, like a serpent” and “a sky that was always gray.” The author also uses metaphors to convey deeper meanings. One such metaphor is the “love” and “hate” tattoos on the knuckles of Harry Powell’s hands, which symbolize the two opposing forces at work in the novel.