Literature Circle 1-The Revelation reflection

One topic that came up during the class discussion of The Revelation was the role Methuselah played throughout the book. Many people agreed that Methuselah was a metaphoric figure for the Price family. When Methuselah was set free by Nathan Price, he did not know what to do, or where to go to survive. Methuselah had been in captivity for so long that he forgot how to manage for himself. This could be a metaphor for the Price family who also cannot go home (even though they have the option too)because Nathan will not let his family leave the Congo until his mission is complete. The class also discussed the character of Nathan Price, the father and Reverend in the book. We all agreed that Nathan believes he is a legend in his own mind, and therefore does things, such as moving his family to the Congo, for the glory and recognition side that comes along with it. We also discussed Nathan's relationship with his wife Orleanna. The relationship is not in any way one of a loving, normal husband and wife. Nathan treats and talks to Orleanna as if she is one of his stupid, ignorant daughters instead of his wife. We all wondered why Orleanna remains with Nathan, and we think that this may be a reoccuring theme throughout the book. Leah Price was another topic that was discussed as a class. In The Revelation it seemed as though Leah, who in Genesis craved her Father's attention, is now seeming to find her own way in the Congo. She is no longer eagerly trying to please her Father, or even hang around him very much. Leah's friendship with Pascal, a little Congolese boy, proves that Leah is starting to find her own path and identity separate from her Father. Overall, I think this literature circle went okay. My small group was a bit awkward because no one really wanted to speak, but when we discussed Revelation as a class, the topics became more interesting. Hopefully next literature circle the small groups will be more talkative and continue to bring up good points.