The Christ image is further developed in the chapter. As an infant, Jeanette cried for seven days as she wrestled with "demons," a parallel to Christ's temptation with Satan. Later when she and her mother are up on the hill, Jeanette's mother bemoans that sin is rampant in the world; but she tells Jeanette to go out and change the world, embuing her with Christ-like power.

Other religious references are made in the chapter. When Pastor Finch catches Jeanette altering the story of Daniel in the Lions' Den, he is not pleased. In fundamental religions, Biblical stores must not be toyed with or altered, even by a playful child. When her mother tries to explain rain, she gives it religious meaning. She creates nonsensical explanations of rain and godliness to support her preconceived notions of who and what is holy.

One of the Themes of the novel is how the past influences the present. Jeanette's genesis, or beginning, is a very important part of her total development; her upbringing and the experiences of her early years shape how she handles her adult life with its many challenges.

Table of Contents | Printable Version