Religion In All The King's Men

Religion has found its place in literature throughout humanity as religion offers something for people of all classes and heritages to believe in. Humanity and politics have changed over time, but faith remains. The Bible and other religious texts have been the backbone to many successful novels. The novel All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren reveals the life of a fictional Governor to the American South during the 1930s. The novel focuses on the personal and political lives of Willie Stark and his right hand man, Jack Burden. Religious elements are apparent in their lives, as well as others in the novel. The novel All the King’s Men by Robert Penn Warren explores religious aspects in the political and personal lives of the main characters.

Original sin is vast and includes greed, unbridled ambition, and poor morals. Firstly, Willie’s accomplice, Jack Burden, sins by stirring dissension among men. Willie has hired Jack to research his enemies and find controversial information. When Jack questions Willie, Willie states “Man is conceived in sin and born in corruption and he passeth from the stink of the didie to the stench of the shroud. There is always something” (Warren 49). This encouragement from Willie is what sets Jack into motion. Jack Burden feels no remorse when targeting and questioning individuals. His misuse of his research and use of blackmail ultimately leads to the death of Judge Irwin, Jack’s biological father. Original sin and ideals brought forth by Willie, corrupt Jack. Furthermore, the character of Tiny Duffy further embodies the sinfulness of human nature. Willie Stark makes Duffy Lieutenant Governor in order to keep Duffy under close watch. Duffy benefits greatly from this promotion. He is truly an atrocious man of few morals. John J. Han comments, “Little human warmth can be found in his personality, and all of his decisions are based on political calculations” (Bloom 2). As Han states, Tiny’s actions throughout the novel prove that he is certainly a ruthless man, motivated by sheer greed. He is a political monster willing to be degraded and shamed by Willie and his actions throughout the

In the novel, sin is familiar with many of the characters; however, Willie Stark is the only one who strives for redemption. Despite his sins, Willie wants to redeem himself in the eyes of society and his family. To begin with, Willie begins his political life as a local politician. He was dull and unpopular but is able to redeem himself in the eyes of the people and become a viable option as Governor. He replaces the tedious statistics in his speeches with ideas and passion. Willie truly desires to do well as Governor and do great things for the area. He leads the construction of roads, hospitals, and schools for the area and he stands up for the lower class, and their neglected wants. Critic James Ruoff explains that “the people of the state satisfy their craving for justice-hence Willie’s easy political slogan ‘Your need is my justice’” (Ruoff 129). Before his assassination, Willie plans to open a free hospital to improve the lives of others. Despite his corruption, he tries to redeem by acting for the people of the state. His journey as a redeemer is similar to that of Jesus Christ. Like the ultimate redeemer, Stark must be freed of guilt in order to be redeemed (Titus 2.14). When Tom is injured during a football game, Willie is alarmed. Like many fathers, the thought of their son dying or becoming seriously injured is a great fear for him. When Willie learns