Peace Like A River

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Recommended: Asthma essay from different perspectives

"Reuben Land, in the name of the living God I am telling you to breathe," (Enger 3). From the astounding words of Leif Enger's novel, Peace Like A River, he takes readers on a journey of an asthmatic life of eleven-year old, Reuben Land. This ailment influences his character to become troubled from the effects of asthma, dependent on others’ aid, and hopeful that a miracle will better a burdensome situation.

In this heart-felt novel, Reuben’s asthma greatly influences his character because he becomes troubled from the arduous effects of his ailment. A quote to show the troubles his asthma puts him through is when Reuben awakes to no breath. One alarming morning, he jumps conscious and explains, “…my breath was gone. Anyone would panic. I thrashed and lurched and arched my back,” (183). The previous quote reveals that he must suffer a sense of vulnerability, knowing not many eleven-year old boys his age have trouble to often find a breath of air. As a result, Reuben is forced to live life, knowing he is not as strong as others, physically. In addition, Swede and Reuben face a quarrel with one another while at their stay with Roxanna. This argument leads to them wrestling one another, and Reuben explains how, "She wiggled away and stood over me, and I was a gasping ruin,” (186).This quote sorrowfully explains how although Reuben Is older, he physically lacks dominance compared to Swede. She ends up overpowering Reuben in their physical brawl. From this, he would sorrow over the fact that Swede had tantalized him by observing his weakness. Being the healthier, vigorous sibling compared to Reuben, she often aids him, due to his asthma. Peculiarly, Swede has lost some vision towards Reuben as a older-brother figure, ...

... middle of paper ...

... Reuben becomes frightened for Davy’s sake. He fears the worst that his strong, older brother, is dead. During this troubled time, one of the key factors that Reuben thinks of, is to pray for a miracle that his brother is perfectly safe. From this quote, it also explains the deep connection with the Lord, that Reuben withholds. He is able to look up and pray for a miracle, instead of giving up hope altogether.

In conclusion, Reuben’s ailment influences his character to become strongly reliant on others, hopeful for miracles , and troubled from the effects. Consequently, his asthma has greatly molded his character into who he is today. Although Reuben had become greatly troubled from his ailment, physically he learns to keep headstrong, mentally.

Works Cited

Enger, Leif. Peace like a River. 1st ed. New York: Atlantic Monthly, 2001. Print.

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