Symbolism In Mercy Among The Children

The Naturalistic elements in Mercy Among the Children the text establishes setting as a symbol, characterization, and theme. Since it is has the Naturalistic characteristic of nature, Arron Brook is indifferent toward Lyle. It has “water [which] continues on...the uncertain stream of life” (Richards 326), which emphasizes that reacting to oppressive power tends to be destructive. Arron Brook represents Lyle. He tries to progress in his life by using force and violence, while the river symbolizes passivity and resilience as it still flows after chemicals are dumped into it. However, the chemicals in Arron Brook causes Autumn’s albinism and Penny’s sickness, which is how it “lashes out” at its surroundings. Similarly, Lyle becomes violently “angry
The Haven is the church since the truth that his “family is responsible for nothing” (Richards 336) is legitimized. Accordingly, the truth about Elly’s biological family is revealed there. The community’s horrible treatment of the Hendersons represents the Wilderness, as it is a harsh and unforgiving environment. The themes Nature versus the Mechanistic World and Haven versus Wilderness highlights that Lyle is his own oppressive force. He pressures himself into being Sydney’s moral opposite as he hates the idea of staying passive. Yet he becomes so fixated on it, he transformed into “those who had hated [The Hendersons]” (Richards 322). Even at the end of the text, Lyle has not been able to resolve himself as the oppressive force since he believes punishing himself will be his atonement. At first, Lyle does not seek medical help when he breaks his hand in the fight with Mat Pit. This unresolved quest for repentance manifests into his belief that “[he] was free of his past as long as [he] remained in transit” (Richards 407). In conclusion, the Naturalistic aspects of the text establish oppressive power through