A Lesson Before Dying And The Dharma Bums

There is no denying that religion and belief are both significant pieces of modern society. While many people have different theories to how it actually works, or present different viewpoints on the subject, it is often assumed that religion gives the general community a sense of purpose and hope. Consequently, someone whom is opposed to religion is believed to be “miserable” and is perceived to have a bleak and negative attitude towards life. However, when it is all said and done, does seeking religion actually affect an individual’s outlook and perspective on life? The answer to this question is evident through the events in the novels, “A Lesson Before Dying” by “Ernest J. Gaines” and “The Dharma Bums” by “Jack Kerouac” . In “A Lesson Before Dying”, it is clear that the main characters Grant and Jefferson, distance themselves from Christianity.
As a result they begin to lose their identity and purpose in life; contrary to other characters in the novel such Reverend Ambrose, Miss Emma, and Tante Lou, who actually appear to associate themselves with Christian religion in an attempt gain a sense of hope and fulfillment. In “The Dharma Bums”, the main character, Ray, is influenced by his friend, Japhy, to practice Zen Buddhism in an attempt to find his purpose, and gain a unique perspective on life. In addition to these novels, the impact of religion is also discussed in the articles… Another significant example of the effects of religion on a certain individual is perfectly depicted in the film Atheists and anti-religionists might argue that seeking religion does not positively affect your outlook on life.
In simple terms, they may believe that gaining happiness and maintaining a positive attitude towards life does not come from spiritual belief and religion, but it is rather a distinctive quality that an individual is born with and is something that not all people can simply possess. However, with further investigation it is clear that this particular theory is actually false, and the only reasonable circumstance where this argument may come into play is if a person is clinically depressed. Those who consider this theory must understand that happiness is not an element of life that a person simply has or does not have. However, it is actually something that a person must search for over time. This is best exemplified by examining the people who are strongly religious and constantly pray and attend church. They follow a set of rules that dictate how they should live their lives. Some of these rules promote happiness and teach people to care for others. As a result, this reflects the person’s outlook on
life. The positive impact of religion and spiritual belief on internal peace and happiness is especially significant in the novel “A Lesson Before Dying”. The main character Grant, an atheist, is described as a very negative elementary school teacher who sees little to no hope in life or purpose for the future; unlike various other characters such as Miss Emma, Tante Lou, and Reverend Ambrose, who have a more optimistic outlook on life. For a majority of the novel, it is clear that Grant is miserable and disconnected from his community. These particular feelings are primarily associated with the anger and frustration of having to go through racism and discrimination against blacks in his community for a significant amount of time. Accordingly, he begins to feel hopeless and sees no promising future for himself or the black youth in his community. Another character who shares the same feelings as Grant is Jefferson, a young sensitive man. After being placed on death row for a murder he did not commit, Jefferson begins to question religion and god’s intentions. This is evident when in his diary he writes, “it look like the lord just work for wite folks…” Through this passage, it is fair to argue that he feels a disconnection from religion because of the inequality towards blacks and whites. He does not understand why the lord is letting blacks be mistreated, while the whites gain dominance over them. Jefferson’s neglect of seeking religious and spiritual belief, similar to that of Grant, results in him gaining a depressing outlook on life and a sense of no hope.
However, these personal feelings are not shared with Grant’s aunt, Tante Lou, whom was a victim of similar circumstances to that of her nephew. It becomes apparent that Tante Lou lived a particularly challenging and troubled life under the unfair racial system, but instead of letting it encompass her existence, she uses religion of Christianity, to gain freedom and fulfillment in life; something Grant is reluctant to do. This is particularly clear when Reverend Ambrose says:

She been lying every day of her life, your aunt in there. That’s how you got through university- cheating herself here, cheating herself there. But always telling you she’s alright. I’ve seen her hands bleed from picking cotton. I’ve seen blisters from the hoe and cane knife. At that church, crying on her knees. You ever looked at the scabs on her knees, boy” Course you never. ‘Cause she never wanted you to see it. And that’s the difference between me and you, boy; that make me the educated one, and you the gump. I know my people. I know what they gone through. I know they done cheated themselves, lied to themselves-hoping that one they all love and trust can come back and help relieve the pain.

The quote helps to reveal a clear understanding of the horrifying conditions that Tante Lou, had to endure. In addition, it illustrates how she was more specifically able to overcome and deal with life’s challenges. When Reverend Ambrose says “At church, crying on her knees”, it is evident the Tante Lou used religion and spiritual belief as a source for gaining hope and searching for freedom. The effects of religion on one’s outlook on life is clear through the comparison of several characters in the novel. While Jefferson and Grant choose to neglect Christianity, they begin to gain a more bleak perspective on life, while Tante Lou’s deep connection to Christianity, allows her to attain a more optimistic outlook on life. The impact of spirituality on a person’s outlook on life is also significant in Kerouac’s “The Dharma Bums”. The novel essentially follows the narrator Ray, a curious individual, who is in search for the true meaning of life and his purpose in life. While on his search, he bumps into a good friend by the name of Japhy, a devoted Buddhist, who introduces him to the practice of Zen Buddhism, which is simply a meditation method of obtaining peace. The practice of Buddhism teaches people how to be peaceful and gain a sense of freedom from stress. This is exactly what Japhy is trying to instill in Ray, as he convinces Ray to participate in spiritual activities, such as meditating and mountain climbing, Through Ray’s participation in these activities, there is evidence of a gradual change in character. It is apparent how Ray, similar to Japhy, becomes more open minded; and gains a more peaceful perspective on life. The acceptance of religion essentially pays off as Ray eventually finds his purpose in life. After being convinced by Japhy, Ray decides to become a fire lookout; and we can see the affect it has on his life. He gains a unique sense of happiness, which is especially evident when he says:
Down on the lake rosy reflections of celestial vapor appeared, and I said, "God, I love you" and looked up to the sky and really meant it. "I have fallen in love with you, God. Take care of us all, one way or another."
This quote also expresses how Ray has a deep connection with religion, with his remarks about how he loves and trusts god. The impact of religion on the outlook of life is evident through Ray’s acceptance of Buddhism and the effect it has on his life.