Charaterization of the novel the new tribe sparknotes
Here is a characterization of the novel "The New Tribe" by Janette Oke and Davis B. Cockburn, as summarized by SparkNotes:
Plot Summary:
The novel follows the story of a young couple, Rachel and Michael, who leave their comfortable lives in the city to join a Christian tribe in the Canadian wilderness. The tribe, led by a charismatic leader named Jacob, is dedicated to living off the land and following a simple, primitive lifestyle. Rachel and Michael are drawn to the tribe's sense of community and spirituality, but they soon discover that the tribe's way of life is not as idyllic as they had imagined.
Main Characters:
- Rachel: The protagonist of the novel, Rachel is a young woman who is disillusioned with her comfortable but unfulfilling life in the city. She is drawn to the tribe's sense of community and spirituality, and is willing to make sacrifices to join them.
- Michael: Rachel's husband, Michael is a successful businessman who is initially skeptical of the tribe's way of life. He is torn between his love for Rachel and his desire to return to his old life.
- Jacob: The leader of the tribe, Jacob is a charismatic and passionate individual who is dedicated to living off the land and following a simple, primitive lifestyle. He is fiercely protective of his tribe and is willing to make difficult decisions to ensure their survival.
- Sarah: A member of the tribe, Sarah is a young woman who is struggling to adjust to the tribe's way of life. She is homesick and misses her old life, and is torn between her loyalty to the tribe and her desire to return to civilization.
Themes:
- The novel explores several themes, including the search for meaning and purpose, the importance of community and relationships, and the challenges of adapting to a new way of life.
- The novel also touches on the theme of cultural identity, as the characters struggle to reconcile their old lives with their new experiences in the tribe.
- The novel's portrayal of the tribe's way of life is also a commentary on the human desire for simplicity and authenticity in a complex and often superficial world.
Symbolism:
- The wilderness setting of the novel serves as a symbol of the characters' inner journeys and struggles.
- The tribe's way of life, with its emphasis on simplicity and self-sufficiency, serves as a symbol of the characters' desire for authenticity and connection with nature.
- The character of Jacob serves as a symbol of the power of leadership and the importance of vision and direction in shaping the lives of others.
Style:
- The novel is written in a clear and accessible style, with a focus on character development and dialogue.
- The author's use of descriptive language helps to bring the wilderness setting to life, and the characters' experiences are vividly portrayed.
- The novel's themes and symbolism are subtly woven throughout the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story.