GileadBy: Marilynne Robinson
Category: FICTION
Guide Created By: Joan P.
Discussion Leader(s): Joan P. & Deems
Click here to visit the discussion
Guide DescriptionGilead - Pulitzer Prize-winning novel in the form of a thought-provoking letter from a dying minister to his very young son in which he records his family history and life lessons.
Plot SynopsisGilead covers a time span of 100 years. The novel begins with a letter the Rev. John Ames writes on his 77th birthday to his young son. As he faces impending death from heart disease, Rev. Ames writes to record his family's history and his own inner life. There seems to be a message here for all of us as we race through our own adulthood.
Questions
For Consideration
pages 3 - 49
"There are many ways to lead a good life."
1. What do you know of the Old Testament reference to Gilead? Why do you think M. Robinson chose to set her story in a town in Iowa - with this particular name?
2. Do you see a connection between the African-American spiritual, "There is a balm in Gilead" and the setting of the story? Have you noted other references to "balm" in the story so far?
3. Do you relate to Rev. Ames in any way? Would you be comfortable with him as your spiritual advisor? Whom does he resemble more, his father or his grandfather? How so?
4. How did you understand John Ames' comment, "My own dark time was most of my life." Does he write like someone who spent most of his life in loneliness and/or depression?
For Consideration
January pages 50 - 115
"There is an absolute disjunction between our Father's love and our deserving."
1. "It was the first time in my life I knew what it was to love another human being." Does this mean that John Ames feels something for his second wife he did not feel for Louisa? Do you see similarities between his two young wives?
2. Why did brother Edward leave the Church? How does John, as a minister view his brother's loss of faith and belief in God? What does this tell about John and the sort of minister he is?
3. Do you see a contrast between Boughton's son, Jack and John's brother, Edward? Does John feel differently about these two men who have each caused deep disappointment to their fathers?
4. What do you see as the major difference between the father and the grandfather's views on slavery and the War? What was the event that caused the father to turn on his father's views? Do you see the same disagreements on the justification for war today?
5. What is the special significance of the memory of his father giving young John the charred morsel of bread? Why does he want to give his young son "some version of the same memory"?
For Consideration
pages 116-189
"Remembering and forgiving can be contrary things."
1. What does John Ames understand about his wife's personality that makes him so protective of her? Were you touched by the image of her sleeping on the floor beside him with her head against his knees? What does this tell you about her, about their relationship?
2. John Ames is described as the "father of Jack Boughton's soul." Why? Because he baptised him? Because he was a gift from Boughton, thence from God? Because Jack was his namesake?
3. What reasons does John Ames give for deciding that the fifth Commandment (honor your father and your mother) belongs "on the first tablet" with the Commandments about proper worship?
4. Does John Ames exhibit Abraham's faith in God, leaving his child in the wilderness? What is keeping him awake at night?
5. Why does John Ames want his son to know about his weaknesses? Do you agree with him that covetise is "inevitable"? Are you better at "weeping with those who weep" than rejoicing at others'good fortune?
6. Does the Reverend believe a bad person can change, that a dishonorable person can never repent or reform? What are his views on Predestination in this? What does he regret about Jack's baptismal ceremony?
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Interesting InformationAbout Marilynne Robinson // "There is a balm in Gilead"//Thought-provoking Quotes, Insights and Impressions //
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