Essay About Fear Of Bondage And Bondage Of Fear

Jim and Chris
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But when the dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret.” Chapter 35, pg. 276 Stephen goes up the mountain. He tries not to think about all the ways Absaloms life might have been different. He prays for forgiveness for all of his sins, and he thanks God for all the kind people he met in Johannesburg. He sleeps, knowing he is old and his life is nearly finished. He knows he will not see Africa restored, but he has hope, even though he knows many people are against change in their country. He sleeps again and wakes suddenly, afraid that he is too late-he has heard that men are hanged at sunrise. But he is just in time. He thinks about what Absalom is doing and feeling right now. He waits silently until the sun rises. “But when the dawn will come, of our emancipation, from the fear of bondage and the bondage of fear, why, that is a secret.” Chapter 35, pg. 276 This quote stands in direct contrast to the description of Africa at the beginning of the book. While Africa began as tranquil and full of beauty, it is now being asked to cry for its sorry future. The “fear” mentioned in this quote is repeated throughout the novel as the cause of the unrest in Africa. The quote continues with directions to the unborn child to hold back from enjoying the land that will eventually fall into even greater disrepair: “Let him not love the earth too deeply. Let him not laugh too gladly when the water runs through his fingers, nor stand too silent when the setting sun makes red the veld with fire. Let him not be too moved when the birds of his land are singing, nor give too much of his heart to a mountain or a valley. For fear will rob him of all if he gives too much.”