Joseph Williams Discussion 3

The story “Salvation” tells the pivotal point in the narrators (Langston Hughes) life when he loses his belief in Jesus. In his youth the narrator is told that when he is “Saved” he would see a light and experience a change of sorts followed by an appearance from Jesus. Initially the narrator is optimistic about receiving salvation. Having a clear idea as to what he will experience in that moment he awaits his “salvation.” As the evening goes on, we see that his faith slowly begins to waver. As he watches the other children leave the bench and be saved, his naivety is on full display which is expressed by his genuine belief that there would be visual cues for his salvation. The narrator soon experiences fear and shame. Fearful that he would be the “only lamb left in the cold.” Thus, failing congregation. He becomes ashamed that he had not experienced the “change” alluded to by his aunt. His belief comes into question even more as he hears Westley use the lord’s name in vain and (in his outlook) feign salvation without consequence. Although he does not experience the phenomena he was informed of, he chooses to act as if he does to appease his aunt and the rest of the congregation. Due to his adolescent innocence, he finds himself stricken with grief due to his dishonesty. At the end of the story, it is clear to the reader that the experience has left the narrator crestfallen by the lie he told to the point that he no longer believes in Jesus.