It is larger than life–its theme, its style and its subject: an eight-foot tall Creature, stuff of horror but also pitiful, the result of one man’s vain experiment in conquering death. The music soars, the icebergs float soundlessly. Near the end, the scientist is pursuing his foul creation across Europe and into the Arctic Circle. The Creature, amazed that this puny man has not succumbed to exhaustion and death, asks:
What kind of god is so consumed with hate for his creature that he will pursue it to his own destruction?
(For the powerfully moving ending, go and see Frankenstein, the new musical at the Civic Theater, while you still can. The final performance is March 22nd.)
It is impossible not to make comparisons. Another larger than life story, a man who drew enormous crowds, while igniting hatred against himself, who fed thousands, healed illness, raised the dead without lightning flashes or horrible effects. And at the end, bleeding, dying in agony…one who had been with him could have asked:
What kind of God is so consumed with love for His creation that He will pursue it to His own crucifixion?
(For the powerfully moving answer, check out any New Testament for one of the gospel accounts.)
2 responses so far ↓
Amy VanHuisen // March 15, 2009 at 1:30 am |
Love the analogy, love the construction of this post.
T. Michael Cart // March 24, 2009 at 11:03 pm |
What a lovely piece of writing, my sister. Lovely. Well done.