Examples Of Epilogue In Bel Canto

695 Words2 Pages

The epilogue included in Bel Canto gives insight about the message that author Ann Patchett is trying to relay in her novel. Truly comparing the quote’s in the epilogue to the overall theme of the novel first requires understanding the quote’s themselves. I found the first quote to be the most intriguing, “I asked the Gods for hills and springs; They listened to me at last. I shall live contended. And I shall never desire to go beyond that spring, nor shall I desire to cross that mountain” (qtd. in Patchett). The quote seems to say that one should be content with the life that they are given. The first thing that I thought about after reading the epilogue was something that my mom always told me when I was going through high school. She always …show more content…

Opera is one of the most meaningful symbols in the novel and its main character Roxanne Coss. Initially Coss is worried about losing her career after being taken hostage. As time progresses, Coss actually gets to practice her singing more than ever before since its one of the only things to do in the mansion. Although she didn’t necessarily want something like this to happen to her, it signifies a spark in her career that allows her to become better at singing. However, Coss is a character that is constantly aspiring for more fame and success which doesn't necessarily align with the quote. A tuning point in Coss’ life happens when she finds love with Hosakowa in the mansion. Once she finally allows herself to love someone back she opens up to other character’s, like Caesar, who adore her. Since Coss has nowhere else to go, it has forced her to be content with the setting that God has presented her with. Finally being content has allowed Coss to achieve her goals and find love that she otherwise would've never …show more content…

Although none of the character’s prayed to be taken hostage by terrorists, God had it in their plans. As time passes and relationships are made between the character’s and terrorists, their thoughts begin to change. The priest in the story, Father Arguedas, was quoted saying, “He did not pray to be rescued at all. He only prayed for God’s will, His love and protection” (Patchett 199). Earlier in the novel, the character’s were all worried about their survival and rescue. It seems that God has answered their prayers in His own unique way by possibly rescuing them from their old life’s instead. Many of the character’s have formed life changing relationships with the terrorists after spending so much time in the mansion together. Patchett describes each of the newly formed relationships and quotes many of the characters saying how happy they are in this new place. God has a unique way of answering prayers and once the characters begin to realize that He has given them happiness, they become content with their new life’s in the mansion. The characters quit worrying about when they will be rescued and some even fear the day. God has given them the “hills and the springs” and they wish nothing more than to remain where they

Open Document