- This topic has 4 replies, 3 voices, and was last updated 15 hours, 53 minutes ago by
.
-
Posts
-
-
Near the end, Gamache says, “This whole case has been about belief and the power of the word.” What does he mean? What are the ways in which words have power?
-
Words have the power to motivate, to destroy, to inspire. CC’s words to her daughter eviscerate her and drive Crie to commit murder. CC marries Richard Lyon because his name is close to Richard the Lionhearted. Nichol ran into a burning building to save Saul Petrov because she had an Uncle Saul. Saul Petrov had written to Richard Lyon apologizing for his affair which meant a great deal to Richard. Jean-Guy’s words to Gamache when they went into the burning building “she’s not worth it” confirmed Nichol’s negative perception of herself.
-
What you point out is so curious, Nancy and it’s an idea LP carries throughout the book. That people act out of association (almost unconsciously I think) – CC connected Richard Lyon to Richard the Lionhearted and Nichol being triggered by the name “Saul.” Clara believed she met God (a homeless Elle on the streets) simply because of Elle tells her “I have always loved your art, Clara” at the exact moment she most needed to be encouraged. And Clara makes an association. On the opposite end Crie, when she has impressed the entire village with her angelic singing, believes only her mother’s words – that she is sick and mentally unstable. CC believes her writing – Be Calm – will make her famous and rich. Her own words become a self-delusion. It’s interesting that LP touches on fantasies and dreams too which are sometimes can be a form of belief. In Ch 22 the villagers and Gamache are discussing childhood beliefs. Gamache says “Eventually, for better or worse, our childhood fantasies disappear or are replaced by others. But not CC. THat’s the difference. She seemed to believe them…”
Words and how we communicate with one another form our beliefs about ourselves and others whether we think consciously about it or not.
-
The idea here that caught my attention first is the power of belief. Armand is discussing this case and his eventual decision to prevent Arnot from disappearing and the costs to him of that decision with Reine-Marie. “We are what we believe.” More than analytical thought or careful reflection, I believe most of our everyday actions reflect our beliefs, especially our beliefs about what is important.
Certainly, words profoundly shape those beliefs. Tara and Nancy have cited many examples from AFG. But words have the power we grant them. I think Armand’s success and strength comes from doubting and questioning, from considering a word’s source and accuracy.
AFG tells the story of individuals who unquestionably respond to their beliefs, gave them unquestioned power. They were not uniquely flawed. I would sure like to see more doubt and searching for accuracy in today’s US politics and community life rather than decision making informed by words oten devoid of analysis or context.
-
Well put Jane, especially about what’s going on in the US social/political sphere. So many people seem to have given up the idea that their beliefs could be flawed or wrong and given in to “lazy thinking.” Or, many are handing over their power in a belief that those in power will make their lives better which, like CC, is akin to “wishful thinking” and ultimately destructive.
-
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.