Analysis of After You, My Dear Alphonse Story by Shirley Jackson and Leo Tolstoys The Three Hermits - Essay Example

Mrs. Wilson, who is not just a racist but also a narrow-minded and petty individual, cannot accept the fact that her American family is just as successful as Boyd’s African American family. The Archbishop, who first heard the story of the three hermits from the helmsman, insists on sailing towards the location of the hermits to meet them. Finally, when they all meet the Archbishop endeavors to teach the three hermits a prayer, which the Archbishop believes to be a more powerful prayer than the simple prayer of the hermits.

However, it appears that the three hermits are in fact more powerful than the Archbishop, or anybody else who recites the prayers taught by religious institutions when the hermits are seen doing a miraculous deed—“running upon the sea as upon dry land.” The story of The Three Hermits implies that the direct relationship of people with God is even more powerful and superior than any religious dogma and that people should not permit anyone including those institutions with authority to mitigate their moral beliefs.