Fear

Fear is a powerful emotion that lies in the very nature of a human being. This fear, faced by Paul Berlin and those of his company is a key element as to why I would declare Going after Cacciato as a Blungersoman. For when we face fear we have to decide how we are going to face it and handle this fear. This, weather we choose a positive or negative method, leads to a deepening formation of our identity. I spoke in previous blogs about the importance of experience in coming of age. If one has never had to deal with all of the implications that fear brings into a human heart then one has not truly formed a complete identity. In the novel we watch the characters cope with fear, Caciatto fishes in craters, Paul Berlin attempts the justification for his actions that have resulted from fear, drinking, drugs, coping mechanisms. One grows and matures by being faced with heartache, fear, despair, difficulty. Suffering leads to endurance and perseverance. Yet, I would argue that the only true and healthy response to suffering is to fall into the arms of God. This is where suffering must lead; this is where we see who we were made to be. I believe Randal revealed to us the importance of Christ in his walk through sufferings. Suffering and pain lead to growth of character.