Clue #5

Clue #5

1) What is the theme of “About Effie?”

“About Effie” was one of the most bizarre stories I have ever read in my life. I’m not even sure if there was a definite plot. Because of this, it was challenging to identify the theme of the story. This is a complete guess, but from what I read, I think the theme is never give up. Effie always waited, and even though hope seemed very narrow, she still waited for “him.” Then one night, I believe that she does find that one person, although the author doesn’t clearly say.

2) Find a verse from the Bible that relates to the theme of “About Effie” and include it in your written responses.

Job 11:18 - You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.

I chose this verse because it resembles Effie and how she never gives up hope. When she does meet “him,” she rests in safety.

1) Who is Effie waiting for?

Effie is waiting for the mysterious “him.” He is vaguely described and not very often mentioned. The only definite facts we know about him is that he comes when there is thunder, lightening, and music. This person that Effie is waiting for finally does come one night.

2) The story contains a lot of Christ imagery. Write down three separate sentences from the story that might symbolize Jesus and explain why Timothy Findley might have written these into his story.

1- "She just called him "him," and sometimes it was even "they," as if there were a thousand of them or something." How Effie refers that person to “him” reminds me of how we refer to Jesus as Word or Holy one.

2- "Will he take you away?" "Of course he will. That's why he's coming. That's why I'm waiting." This reminds of when Jesus takes us to heaven as we are waiting to be taken away by him.

3- Then she looked at me and all of a sudden I felt it. This is similar to how when Christians feel like they’ve met God and have been in his presence, they “felt” it. That feeling is indescribable because it is far too great to describe in words.

3) Can non-Christian authors reveal truth about God’s world?

I believe that anyone can reveal truth about God’s world. It doesn’t necessarily have to be shown through religious texts. It can be shown through metaphoric language. Regardless of religion, God’s world is always something worth writing about.