To Say This Is Enough

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Recommended: The essay of imagination in literature

Novels present different views about life. They often consist of stories about events that may be totally imaginary, or fictionally realistic. Writers usually write novels to present their ideas and comments about human behavior. Three literary works that poignantly shows their authors' perceptions about life and human behavior are 'The Lame Shall Enter First';, Joy Luck Club, and To Kill A Mocking Bird. Flannery O Conner shows what really matters in life in 'The Lame Shall Enter First';. The importance of faith and courage in a patriarchal society is imprinted in Joy Luck Club. Lastly, in To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee presents an agathistic assumption about human behavior. Literature is said to be the mirror of human behavior, as a form of art, it can also be used to show the quirks and flaws of society---such is the case in these pieces.
The assumption made by the character in 'The Lame Shall Enter First'; is that it is enough for a person to appear morally right, as if faith in God is not necessary. The belief that there is no God is presented by the protagonist, Sheppard. For Sheppard, intelligence and morality are the most important values in life. It is not important for him to believe in God. He does not believe in the after life, nor does he believe that he has to follow the Bible. For him, the Bible is another book written by a fanatical society that preceded his. Sheppard introduces that premise that God should be replaced by science by trying to impress its wonders to Rufus John. He reasons that since there is neither physical nor scientific evidence that god exists. Rufus should stop believing in God and the bible. Because of Sheppard's lack of faith, he gauges his value according to how many people he has helped.
Flannery O'Conner defies everything that Sheppard stands for by taking everything that Sheppard value at the end of the story. Rufus John, the focal point of Sheppard's obsession on helping others, shows Sheppard the error of his ways by going back to prison. By refusing to be taken by Sheppard's persuasion of looking at the world in a scientific viewpoint, Rufus shows that faith is more important than being free---if being free means not believing in God. From the story, Flannery O'Conner takes the side of Rufus. 'The lame shall enter first…'; is the cry that Rufus yelled at Sheppard.

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