The young narrator of “Salvation” has gone through an epiphany and matured by the end of the story. He started off expectant, having been told by his aunt and elders about how Jesus coming into one’s life felt, and he was anticipating the rapturous picture that these trusted, wise adults had painted for him. However, by the end he is jaded with how his expectations were dashed, and ashamed of his lies. He is guilty for lying, exacerbated by the joy that came upon the room when “the last lamb was bought into the fold.” There is some dramatic irony involved, in which the room’s exuberance directly contrasts the fact that the narrator lied about seeing Jesus. The boy felt pressured by the congregation, and lied to please them, lest he keep “holding everything up so long.” It is a lesson on what can happen when trying to induce children into organized religion at such young ages.
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One thought on “Attina Zhao Discussion 3”
Hi Attina. I enjoyed reading your discussion board post and I appreciate your choice of words. “Jaded” is very fitting for the impression I had of Langston after the church meeting. I also liked how you pointed out the stark contrast of emotions in the room right at the moment when he pretended to be saved, between the loud praise and joyful cheering of the whole congregation and Langston feeling all alone, dejected and guilty.