Peace Like a River by Leif Enger - Essay Example

Peace Like a River by Leif Enger Leif Enger is a remarkable writer who is known to have paid attention to tiny details from his childhood through his exquisite novels. Through the patterns of his story lines, it is seen that Enger has a literary skill that leaves his readers with impressions. Peace like a River is one of Enger’s finest works that has been received with equal controversy and acceptance in the literary world. This paper seeks to analyze the literary elements in Peace like a River critically. Peace like a River is a twenty-three chaptered book that is made up of a combination of chronological and flashback writing style. A man, Reuben Land, through flashbacks remembers the events of his birth, the challenges, and his family, and narrates the story. He is the protagonist in the novel who instills faith and hope to the readers through his life story. This shifts to present day, 1962, when the man has grown up and lives as a good man. Narration of these events in his life helps the readers to appreciate the maturation that occurred in his life (Robertson, 2013). This eventually helps in molding him into the grown up good man that he is presently. The novel illustrates how Reuben’s family goes through an extra length to ensure one of them, Davy, comes back to the light. Enger uses the first person point of view in his novel. This is because Reuben tells the narrative from his point of view of the events that occurred in his life. This starts with a flashback of his birth, how God revived him so that he could witness the miracles performed through his father. Through his narration, we learn about his brother Davy, and his choices in life that led him to prison. Through Reuben, the readers find out the deal that his father made with God so that the former may die instead of Reuben. Readers are able to discern the occurrences in Reuben’s life through narration from both the young and adult Reuben. Symbolism and use of metaphors are also some of the literary elements employed by Enger in producing his work. Metaphors refer to the use of direct comparisons between ideas and characters. Examples of metaphors in Enger’s Peace like a river include the scene where Jeremiah’s actions are compared to that of God. Jeremiah blows air and life into son, who is motionless and clay-like, just as God blew air into Adam whom He made from clay. Metaphor is also used when Mrs. DeCuellas’ hair is described as black and woolly. Symbolism is evidenced in the character of Swede, Reuben’s sister (Enger, 2001). The novel starts as she works on her poem, and her character develops with it. This portrays the growth of the Land’s family. Another symbolism is Reuben’s asthmatic condition. It symbolizes the challenges and burdens of life that must be met with strength and faith for one to succeed, just as Reuben did. His daily struggle with breathing and his continued effort in keeping alive denotes the persistence very much needed for success in day-to-day activities. Peace like a river also portrays the repetitive use of themes throughout the book. This is called motif. The first motif in this novel is dreams. Enger displays the use of dreams through Reuben when in his terrible dream; he is crossing a shallow river. He also dreams about the skin bag, after which he wakes up to find Waltzer looking at him (Enger, 2001). Enger has used miracles in his novel a number of times. When Jeremiah commands Reuben, in the name of the living God to breathe, a miracle occurs. Another miracle is observed when Jeremiah paces at the edge of the water without falling. Other miracles occur in the novel including the never emptying bowl of soup, Reuben’s survival after the gunshot wound, and the healing of Holgren’s face among others. The theme of war is also used repetitively in the novel. The first instance is where Davy fights with and kills the two bullies. This paints the picture of war. Another instance where war theme is portrayed is in heaven, when Reuben and his father encounter people singing a hymn where they march as if they are preparing for a war. Enger has displayed immense prowess in the use of foreshadowing in his book. This refers to the presentation of clues that indicate other occurrences later in a story. In Peace like a River, foreshadowing is displayed in various occasion. For instance, Reuben was allowed to breathe, and kept breathing (Enger, 2001). This was meant to foreshadow the fact that he was to be a witness to the miracles performed by Jeremiah. The clue to Davy defying his father and killing the two bullies is evidenced earlier in the story. This occurs when Davy and his father sit next to each other on their way to August’s house without talking to each other. Irony refers to the presentation of actions or statements that are opposite of what the readers or other characters expect. Enger makes use of irony in a number of occasions in his book. The first instance is when squad cars quickly arrive at the scene after Davy kills the two bullies. This is not expected because when they were really needed they did not show up. Rueben also displays irony when his classmate Peter brings him a gift that he has longed for so long, but instead of getting excited, the need for that gift has ceased and now it seems silly (Enger, 2001). To present his work successfully, Enger also utilizes personification in his book. This means that he gives human characteristics to non-human objects. Grief is personified as something that can be heard, and can even scrape one from inside. Remorse has also been personified and described as black, and that can flap down and perch, just like animate objects. Enger uses a descriptive approach and great imagery to create vivid pictures of the setting and major events in the novel. As the novel begins, readers can picture the landscape of Minnesota in their minds using the descriptions provided in the novel. The setting of the novel also includes North Dakota Badlands. An allusion refers to the author’s reference of his work to that of a historical item or character, or another literary work. In Peace like a River, Enger has used a good number of allusions. Enger referred to the Bible, starting with God, Julius Caesar and the book of Job among others (Robertson, 2013). Other allusions used in Peace like a River include Romeo and Juliet, Tarzan, William Shakespeare, Treasure Island, just to mention a few. Leif Enger’s Peace like a River is one of the most controversial books ever written (Robertson, 2013). With its themes in Christian beliefs and miracles, the novel has been the subject of debates and discussions in the literary world. Leif Enger has used some literary devices like imagery, allusions, symbolism, and metaphors. The novel has been elaborated with a variety of characters and themes that touch on religion and miracles. Peace like a River can be summed up as adventurous and tragedy filled. Among other things, it enlightens the readers about meditation, family love, and faith, all of which are necessary virtues in life. However, most people find this book controversial because of the open display of the Christian religion and miracles throughout the novel. This is because most people prefer not to publicly talk about religion or politics. Instead, the opinions of others are respected. Works Cited Enger L. (2001) Peace like a River Grove Press Robertson B. (2013) Peace like a River: Literary Elements Retrieved 15 November 2013 from brockrobertson.tripod.com Read More