The Violent Bear It Away is a novel by the American author Flannery O’Connor. The book, published in 1960, is a classic example of Southern Gothic literature. It tells the story of a young boy named Francis Marion Tarwater, who is trying to escape the destiny his uncle has prescribed for him.
The novel is an allegory for the struggle between faith and reason, and the tension between the old and the new South. O’Connor’s use of symbolism and imagery is masterful, and the book is full of rich, complex characters. The themes of the book are still relevant today, and the novel remains a powerful exploration of the human condition.
In this article, we will explore the allegorical elements of The Violent Bear It Away and examine how O’Connor uses symbolism and imagery to convey her message. We will also look at the historical context of the novel and how it reflects the social and cultural landscape of the American South in the 1960s. Finally, we will examine the legacy of the book and its enduring impact on American literature.
Overview of ‘The Violent Bear It Away’
“The Violent Bear It Away” is a novel written by Flannery O’Connor and published in 1960. The novel tells the story of Francis Marion Tarwater, a fourteen-year-old boy, who is trying to escape the destiny his uncle has prescribed for him. The story is set in rural Tennessee and is written in O’Connor’s trademark Southern Gothic style.
The novel is an allegory of the struggle between faith and reason, and the inner turmoil of a young boy who is torn between his religious beliefs and his desire to live a normal life. The story explores themes of redemption, sin, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
The main character, Francis Marion Tarwater, is an orphan who is raised by his great-uncle, who is a religious fanatic. His great-uncle believes that Tarwater is meant to become a prophet and tries to indoctrinate him with his religious beliefs. Tarwater, however, resists his great-uncle’s teachings and tries to escape his destiny.
The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the struggle to find meaning in life. It is a dark and thought-provoking work that challenges readers to question their own beliefs and values. The novel is considered a classic of American literature and is a must-read for anyone interested in the Southern Gothic genre.
Flannery O’Connor’s Use of Allegory
Flannery O’Connor is known for her use of allegory in her writing, and The Violent Bear It Away is no exception. Through her use of symbolic characters and events, O’Connor creates a layered narrative that explores complex themes such as faith, morality, and the human condition.
One of the most prominent examples of allegory in the novel is the character of Francis Marion Tarwater. As a prophet, Tarwater is burdened with a divine mission that he is reluctant to accept. His struggle to come to terms with his destiny reflects O’Connor’s own exploration of the relationship between faith and free will.
Another important symbol in the novel is the river, which represents baptism and spiritual rebirth. The river is a recurring motif throughout the novel, and its significance is underscored by the fact that both Tarwater and his uncle are drowned in it.
O’Connor’s use of allegory is not limited to characters and symbols, however. The novel’s structure itself can be seen as an allegory, with each chapter building on the themes and motifs of the previous one. This creates a cohesive narrative that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.
Main Characters as Allegorical Figures
Francis Tarwater
Francis Tarwater is the protagonist of the novel, and his character represents the struggle between free will and destiny. He is a fourteen-year-old boy who is being groomed by his great-uncle, Mason, to become a prophet. Francis is torn between his desire to obey his great-uncle’s wishes and his own desire for personal freedom. His internal conflict is symbolic of the larger struggle between man’s desire for autonomy and the influence of external forces.
Rayber
Rayber is Francis’s uncle, and his character represents the conflict between reason and faith. He is a schoolteacher who believes that science and reason can explain everything in the world. Rayber seeks to erase the influence of Mason, who he believes is a dangerous fanatic. His character serves as a foil to Francis’s, highlighting the tension between faith and reason that runs throughout the novel.
Bishop
Bishop is a minor character in the novel, but his presence is significant. He is a mentally disabled man who is cared for by Rayber. Bishop’s character represents the idea of innocence and purity. He is a simple soul who is incapable of deceit or malice. His character serves as a contrast to the other characters in the novel, who are all struggling with their own demons and desires.
Themes and Motifs
Religious Redemption
The theme of religious redemption is central to “The Violent Bear It Away” by Flannery O’Connor. The novel explores the idea of salvation through the character of Tarwater, who is a prophet of God. Tarwater is called to fulfill his destiny and spread the word of God, but he struggles with the concept of free will and his own personal desires. Through Tarwater’s journey, the novel explores the idea of redemption and the power of faith.
Prophetic Visions
Another important theme in “The Violent Bear It Away” is prophetic visions. The novel explores the idea of prophecy and how it can be used to interpret the will of God. Tarwater is a prophet who is called to fulfill his destiny, and he is guided by visions and dreams. The novel explores the power of these visions and how they can be used to interpret the world around us.
The Nature of Evil
The nature of evil is a recurring motif in “The Violent Bear It Away”. The novel explores the idea of sin and how it can corrupt even the most devout believers. The character of Old Tarwater is a prime example of this, as he is consumed by his own pride and greed. The novel also explores the idea of original sin and how it affects the characters in the story. Through the characters’ struggles with sin, the novel explores the nature of evil and its impact on humanity.
Biblical References
Old Testament Allusions
In “The Violent Bear It Away,” Flannery O’Connor makes several allusions to the Old Testament. For instance, the character of Tarwater is named after the prophet Jeremiah, who was tasked with delivering God’s message to the Israelites. Similarly, the character of Bishop bears similarities to the prophet Ezekiel, who was also called upon by God to deliver a message to the Israelites. Additionally, the scene where Tarwater buries his grandfather in the river is reminiscent of the story of Moses, who was also placed in a river as a baby.
New Testament Parallels
The novel also contains several parallels to the New Testament. The character of Tarwater can be seen as a Christ figure, as he is burdened with a divine mission and struggles with the weight of his calling. Similarly, the character of Bishop can be seen as a symbol of the institutional church, which often fails to understand or support those who are called to a higher purpose. The scene where Tarwater baptizes Bishop can be seen as a representation of the moment when Christ was baptized by John the Baptist.
Symbolism in the Novel
Water Imagery
Water is a recurring symbol throughout the novel, representing both life and death. It is used to show the baptism of Francis Tarwater, which is meant to represent his spiritual rebirth. In addition, water is also used to symbolize the destructive power of nature, as seen in the flood that destroys the cabin of Tarwater’s uncle.
Fire as Purification
Fire is another important symbol in the novel, representing the purifying power of God. Tarwater’s uncle, a self-proclaimed prophet, believes that he must purify Tarwater through fire in order to make him the next prophet. This belief is based on the biblical story of Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind after being purified by fire.
The Hat as Identity
The hat worn by Tarwater’s uncle is a symbol of his identity as a prophet. He believes that the hat is necessary in order to distinguish himself from others and to show his authority as a prophet. However, when Tarwater takes the hat after his uncle’s death, it becomes a symbol of his own identity and his rejection of his uncle’s beliefs.
The Title’s Significance
The title of Flannery O’Connor’s novel, “The Violent Bear It Away,” is taken from a verse in the Gospel of Matthew. The verse reads, “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent bear it away” (Mt. 11:12). This verse sets the tone for the novel and provides insight into the themes that O’Connor explores throughout the book.
The title suggests that the characters in the novel will face violence and struggle, but it also implies that they will bear it away. This idea of bearing away violence is significant because it suggests that the characters will not only endure the violence they encounter but also overcome it. This is particularly relevant for the protagonist, Francis Marion Tarwater, who must confront his destiny as a prophet and the violence that comes with it.
The use of the word “violent” in the title also suggests that the violence in the novel is not just physical but also spiritual. This is in keeping with O’Connor’s exploration of the spiritual and religious themes that run throughout her work. The violence that the characters face is not just a product of their physical circumstances but also a manifestation of their spiritual struggles.
Critical Reception and Interpretations
The Violent Bear It Away is widely regarded as one of Flannery O’Connor’s most complex and layered works. Critics have praised the novel for its exploration of themes such as religion, morality, and the human condition.
One of the most prominent interpretations of the novel is that it is an allegory for the struggle between faith and reason. The character of Francis Tarwater, who is torn between his religious beliefs and his desire for a normal life, is seen by many as a representation of this struggle.
Another interpretation of the novel is that it is a critique of religious fundamentalism. O’Connor’s portrayal of the character of Tarwater’s great-uncle, who is obsessed with the idea of Tarwater becoming a prophet, has been seen by some as a commentary on the dangers of fanaticism.
Despite the critical acclaim that the novel has received, some readers have criticized it for its bleak and pessimistic view of the world. However, others have argued that it is precisely this darkness that makes the novel so powerful and thought-provoking.
Comparisons to Other Works by O’Connor
Flannery O’Connor’s writing style is often compared to that of William Faulkner, due to her use of Southern Gothic elements and dark humor. However, O’Connor’s work is unique in its religious themes and allegorical nature. In “The Violent Bear It Away,” O’Connor explores the concepts of sin, redemption, and free will through the character of Francis Marion Tarwater.
Compared to O’Connor’s other works, “The Violent Bear It Away” is more overtly religious than her earlier short stories. The novel’s themes of sin and redemption are also explored in her other works, such as “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and “Wise Blood.” However, “The Violent Bear It Away” stands out for its use of allegory and its exploration of the concept of free will in relation to religious destiny.