Defender of the Faith Theme

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Defender of the Faith Theme

Theme in “Defender of the Faith” can be interpreted in many varying ways, some of which are life-long lessons and others to the relation between faith and the individual.

Throughout much of the story, Nathan Marx is lost between his role as a sergeant, Jew and human being. The relationship between the church, state and individual is a well-known concept. The three must be independent of each other and this story explores what happens when the three are forced together. His religion starts the whole process of the three intertwining. As his grandmother said, “Mercy overrides justice.” The quote reflects Marx’s human side, where feelings dominate over duty. I think the theme warns about faith interfering with government and vice versa, with the single ...

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