6 responses to “Chapter 39”
-
I’m really enjoying the original premise and am following the story with great interest! However, I feel the congregation’s reaction is an underwhelming element. A rural church, the most conservative environment imaginable, would have a much more visceral and chaotic response to three nude teenagers on the altar. Where are the parishioners storming out in protest, parents frantically covering their children’s eyes, elders confronting the pastor, or scandalized whispers escalating into vocal outrage? The generic “murmuring” fails to capture the social firestorm this brilliantly awkward situation truly deserves.
-
You are picking up on several dynamics playing out here. There are biblical examples of non-sexual nudity. In fact, classical religious art probably contains more nudity than classical secular art specifically because it was considered to be a portrayal of innocence.
From Frankie’s perspective, this scene is an erotic exhibition for the ages. But all the congregation knows is what the pastor has told them – that these girls are innocent and worthy of compassion, not wrath. They are naked, yes, but are not engaging in overt sexual expression. In fact, they are acting meek and humble – exactly like the church back then would expect young ladies to be. Perfect little angels.
Furthermore, country folk in that era were conservative, but also practical. They would tend to defer to authority, especially religious authority, and would not consider the middle of a worship service the appropriate time or place to raise concerns. There is some indignation and confrontation at the start of the next chapter, but not to the degree you are imagining.
I’m glad to hear you are liking the story and hope the perceived incongruencies of this scene will not diminish your enjoyment of it.
-
-
Great scene in the church!
But mostly I like the introduction of ‘Chekov’s spontaneously flooding nature resort.’
Sounds like the kind of wilderness place a whole family could lose all their worldly posessions, and get more or less trapped for months.-
The great outdoors are calling!
-
-
Amen!
-
Glory be!
-
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.