Summary Of The World Made Straight

I selected chapter six titled, “Or the Bible” to further analyze the first section of The World Made Straight. Foster points out, “Even today many writers have more than a nodding acquaintance with the faith of their ancestors” (47). At the end of the reading Travis focuses in on the men killed in Shelton Laurel. Specifically he looks at the story of David Shelton. He recounts his story more than once. “David Shelton shot in both arms, his father and three brothers lying dead around him, the last Shelton still alive in that medow speaking his last words: I forgive you all this- I can get well. Let me go home to my mother and sisters” (87). David could easily be compared to Jesus based off of this account of his death. First he was wrongly put to death after committing no crime. David is the youngest at only twelve years old. Being that childhood is commonly associated with innocence David could be seen as having no sin; a direct connection to Jesus. David also has gun shots in both of his arms which could be connected to the two holes in Jesus’s hands after being nailed to the cross. Most obvious to me was when David explained he would forgive the killers if
he was spared. Jesus and his death is a symbol of God’s forgiveness to the sinner of the world as well. The name David also comes out of the bible.
David was known as a giant killer after his standoff with Goliath. David was the youngest and smallest of all his brothers in both stories as well. While in the story of David and Goliath, David Shelton was not able to overcome and kill the men thereating his life he was able to prove that he was stronger mentally. A strong faith in God helped David to defeat lions, bears, and Goliath. David Shelton had to have a strong faith as well to be able to both offer to forgive the men and ask for his life. While he did not survive he has lived on as a legend for being so forgiving and an inspired bravery in many other boys. “Travis thought of himself at twelve and when he’d been most scared. Probably sitting in the principal’s office waiting for his daddy to show up”
(87). The meadow where the killing had taken place also takes on a sort of sacred weight as well. “‘You know a place is haunted when it feels more real than you are,’ Leonard said” (86). “‘You believe in ghost?’ Travis asked. ‘When I’m in this meadow I almost do,’ Leonard said. He nodded at the marker. ‘It ought to feel even more that way to you. It’d your family’s blood that got spilled here’” (86). Many people in the town make the trip to go spend time and reflect on the grassy meadow. It reminds me of an image of Calvary, the grassy hill where Jesus was crucified. The image of the serene grassy area with the river flowing by is so peaceful. Death would not cross your mind if you had not known about the multiple people killed there. People can associate Calvary with the rising of Jesus as well and would find it to also be serene. Lastly, the church with it’s quite setting is serence to many people. The church has an obvious connection to the the bible and is seen as a sacred place.