Additionally, how does this question of the changeability of a person's nature affect another major theme in this novel: Forgiveness?
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Human Nature
The consistency of human nature becomes a core question in the novel's second half. At one point in the novel (pg. 151-153) Jack forces the question of whether or not a person can ever really change, leading John to admit that he believes a person can change their behaviors, but never his essential nature. John's wife disagrees, saying "A person can change. Everything can change." So, what do you think? Can we ever really change our natures? Did Jack change? What about John? What might account for John's opinion on this issue vs. his wife's?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
John believes at the beginning of the novel that Jack cannot change his nature, and at one point sees that his preaching is pointless if people cannot change. I think that's what finally forces him to consider his relationship with Jack, more than he has up to this point.
ReplyDeleteI think the book sets an excellent example of giving people a chance to change; also to listen to people's stories before judging them.