I have read 50 pages of this story, but I am still waiting to find out how it is a romance. Other than that, I think the story is engaging and an interesting view of humans' encounters with Satan. I was especially struck by Satan's argument that even though God sees every sparrow that falls from the sky, Satan says that it falls anyway, so what it the point of seeing it. It was an interesting sentiment for how people believe in God even though suffering exists in the world. Twain does not make a resolution about this (so far) because the woman becomes distracted by the money in her pocket and forgets her faith arguments for the moment.
I want to finish this book so that I will find out what the point is! I like how Twain is bringing up so many questions about faith and the nature of suffering. I just hope that he ends up resolving things or at least answering his questions. Twain tends to leave things open-ended and unanswered, which can be good and stimulating, but in this case, I may really need/want answers in the end!
I haven't finished either.. But Let's be honest.. Twain never gives us any answers. Even when a story has a moral, he still ends up questioning some type of institution be it religion, gender roles, government, or love. I hate to say it but I have a feeling this story is going to be no different. I agree that Satan's role is very interesting, you know he isn't good but somehow he is still intriguing. So, regardless if I get any answers I am still anxious to see how The Mysterious Stranger pans out.
ReplyDeleteMy view of Twain has DEFINITELY changed so much since before I took this class and your opening line really exemplifies why. Although I only ever read Huck Finn & Tom Sawyer, I still thought of MT as a romantic. Is that weird? I guess because I was taught in middle school that Tom Sawyer was based on MT's childhood and I find TS to be terribly romantic.
ReplyDeleteThe Mysterious Stranger is definitely a far cry from that! So cynical, so depressing and yet well written and intriguing. Twain really challenged what people believed in. I wish I knew what the reception of the Mysterious Stranger would have been, had it been published when he was alive.