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The Power of Faith in the Face of Adversity

The theme of religion is a common thread that runs through many works of literature. In

the stories “Salvation” by Langston Hughes, “Parkinson’s and the Dream Bear” by Robert

Winkler, and “Hell” by James Joyce, this theme is explored in different ways. Each of these

stories presents a unique take on what it means to have faith and how that faith can be challenged

in different circumstances.

In Langston Hughes' short story "Salvation," the theme of religion is explored through the

protagonist's experience. At a young age, the boy is taken to a church revival by his aunt and told

he must be "saved." Despite not understanding what that means, he goes through the motions and

lies to the pastor about being "saved." The quote that best summarizes the story's main idea is, "I

was saved from sin when I was going on thirteen. But the change in me was strange” (Langston).

This quote speaks to the protagonist's emptiness after lying to the pastor and being "saved." He

was still the same person, and nothing had changed. In other words, "I lied and pretended to be

saved, but nothing felt different" (Langston). The author's view on religion is one of cynicism.

The protagonist's experience with religion is not positive, and it is clear that he does not feel the

same connection to religion as his aunt does. It is almost as if the author is warning readers

against relying on religion as a source of comfort and rather advocating for the importance of

understanding what it means to be "saved" before blindly participating in religious practices.

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Parkinson's is a neurological disorder affecting the brain and body, causing many motor

and non-motor symptoms. In Winkler's "Parkinson's and the Dream Bear," the theme of religion

is explored through the main character, a man with Parkinson's, who finds solace in his faith. As

the man reflects on his life, he states, "The Lord may have given me Parkinson's, but He also

gave me a Dream Bear" (Robert). This quote conveys that even amid a difficult situation, there is

a gift to be found and appreciated. The author suggests that religion can provide hope, comfort,

and strength even in the most challenging times. It can provide peace, joy, and purpose amid

suffering. The author's view on religion is that it can be a source of hope and comfort, even in

adversity. In this story, the author views faith as a powerful source of strength and peace. By

emphasizing the role of faith in David's journey, the author suggests that faith can be a valuable

tool in facing life's toughest challenges.

In James Joyce's short story "Hell," the theme of religion is explored through the

narrator's questioning of the nature of faith and his struggle to reconcile it with his own life. The

story's main idea could be summed up in the narrator's conclusion: "What did it avail to have

consoled his soul if he had lost his God?" (James). In other words, the narrator asks whether it

ultimately matters if one is comforted if it does not bring them closer to their faith. By putting

the question this way, Joyce implies that for a person to have faith must be accompanied by a

sense of connection to something greater than themselves. Joyce's view on religion is complex.

He acknowledges the power of faith and its capacity to provide comfort, but at the same time, he

doubts the efficacy of blind faith. He is critical of those who use religion to avoid facing their

reality and instead encourages a more meaningful and personal relationship with faith.

Ultimately, Joyce suggests faith is an important part of life, but it should be approached

thoughtfully and with an open heart.

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In conclusion, these three stories all explore the theme of religion in different ways. In

"Salvation," Hughes examines the conflict between faith and doubt and the pressure to conform

to religious beliefs. In "Parkinson's and the Dream Bear," Winkler examines the power of faith in

the face of adversity and how it can be a source of strength and hope. Finally, in "Hell," Joyce

examines the consequences of making a choice based on faith and the strength of faith in the face

of adversity. Through these stories, readers are presented with various perspectives on faith and

how it can be tested in different circumstances.

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Works Cited

Hughes, Langston. Salvation. Films for the Humanities & Sciences, 2002.

Joyce, James. “Hell.” The Norton Anthology of English Literature, edited by Stephen Greenblatt

et al., 8th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2006.

Winkler, Robert. “Parkinson's and the Dream Bear.” The Southern Review, vol. 37, no. 1, 2001.