Symbolism In Alden Bell's The Reapers Are The Angels

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Alden Bell’s The Reapers Are the Angels is full of religious symbolism. This book fixates on a fifteen year old girl named Temple, who navigates across the country in an attempt at dodging various segments of her past and present. While on her journey, she is often reminded of her “smallness”. Rather than being entangled in her ongoing misery, she observes the small miracles of her daily life. Temple always believes that remaining positive is the best thing to do and will save her. Temple experiences a beautiful yet somber adventure in this book. Bell focuses on God’s plan as a means to portray there is always light in the darkest of times. This novel begins with Temple living alone on an island. Zombies have been washing up ashore and are …show more content…

One theme Bell seems to focus on frequently, within religious context, is the concept that God has plans for everyone. Temple states that,“Sometimes she wonders if God could be angry at her, and if she would know the difference between a blessing and a punishment” (189). Bell’s point is that God is known for having a specific agenda for everyone, and that each individual may not comprehend the reason why. He is also calling attention to the fact that we are never aware when certain events occur and whether they were for the better or worse. Despite Temple’s sins, she still considers herself lucky for being alive and takes everything that happens to her as a …show more content…

This includes trying to save her own life, even if it resulted in her loved ones being killed. She has lost her uncle and someone she considers a brother who were both very close to her. According to Bell, “God wanted to remind her of her smallness” (190). In other words, Temple believes that God is always watching over us and can control the events that happen in our life. During times in our life, God makes us feel “small” in order to convey his power. Temple participates in unfortunate events that appear to have no bright side, however she finds herself accompanied by hope. Temple reassures the audience that there is light at the end of the tunnel. According to Bell, “God reaches you even in a basement, and she can't keep her eyes open” (131). Bell is insisting that there is always light in the darkest of times. No matter how dark it is she never loses herself or the faith she has in God. Temple would agree with the fact that in order for her to “shine” there shall be

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