Themes And Consequences, And Punishment In Shepherd Of The Hills

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Forgiveness, Consequences, and Punishment The novel “Shepherd of the Hills” by Harold Bell Wright is a beautiful story about life in the Ozark Mountains. The story opens with an old man, later called Dad Howitt, entering the Ozarks from the city and stumbles across the Matthews family. The Matthews family grew fond of the new traveler quickly. Dad Howitt became a shepherd and roamed the hills. Within the first week of the newcomer’s appearance, Mrs. Matthews discussed her children she had. Tragically, all of them passed away, except for young Matt, the youngest in the family. Mrs. Matthews told Dad Howitt that the death of their daughter was too hard for the family, and they do not talk about her. After a couple of days, Mr. Matthews expressed …show more content…

Mr. Howitt recognized the painting as his son’s greatest work and became terrified due to Mr. Matthews anger. The novel goes on to tell different iniquities that ensued. Even though some were forgiven, there were still consequences. The story also demonstrates there is punishment for unrepentant sin as well. Throughout the novel, there are multiple occasions where sins were committed. There are two characters who are unrepentant of their actions, and there are two that are repentant. The first duo is Jim Lane and Wash Gibbs. These two characters are literally partners in crime. They are associates of a bald knobber gang. The gang would travel the countryside just to terrorize the people of the mountain. Wash Gibbs is a large man which makes him more intimidating. Jim Lane is the only one able to regulate Gibbs’ outbursts for most of the story. Towards the end of the story, however, Jim Lane does not appreciate Gibbs plans aimed at Young Matt. At a gang meeting, Lane expresses that he doesn’t want any part of their shenanigans anymore. The gang turns on him and executes Lane in his living room. While the conference is happening, officers of the law weaseled their way to the Lane’s …show more content…

We can and should still hold others accountable for their actions or lack of actions” (Sweet). Mr. Matthews forgave Dad and Howard, but they were not free from consequences. When Mr. Matthews Forgave Dad and Howard, the punishment for their sin disappeared but the consequence remained. So that brings up a question: what is forgiveness? The Greater Good Science Center discovered that “… Forgiveness brings the forgiver peace of mind and frees him or her from corrosive anger.” (Forgiveness). Forgiveness is not meant to be for the offender, it is for the person distressed. It brings them to a place of humility and growth. God commands his children to forgive. Having a corrosive anger means that the anger will continue to eat away at a person, much like when metal is left in water. When someone is unforgiving, the anger inside of them culminates like rust on a piece of metal. What are the consequences of the Howitt men? Howard’s consequence was him losing the love of his life and dwelling in exile for the remainder of his life. Dad Howitt’s consequence was losing a relationship with his son because of

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