High School Literature 2.14 The Bronze Bow Daniel’s Past - Chapters 7 & 8

History behind The Bronze Bow - Chapters 7 & 8 Prior to and during the time of Christ, Jews felt the overarching presence of the Roman Empire in their daily lives. Jews practiced a very different religion from their neighbors and were often unpopular. As a result, Jewish communities were often close-knit, to protect themselves and their faith.

History continued… Although their lives may have been different, Jews and Romans did have some things in common. In Roman or Jewish family life, the head of the household was a man. The Roman family was organized as a patriarchy, meaning that authority and responsibility for the family rested in the father’s hands. Daniel’s father was killed by the Romans. Rosh, a Zealot leader, was the only father figure Daniel had to follow.

Literary Techniques The Bronze Bow begins in medias res or in the middle of the story. Chapters seven and eight introduce a literary device known as “exposition.” The word comes from the Latin language and its literal meaning is “a showing forth.” Exposition is crucial to any story, for without it nothing makes sense. Most importantly, it provides an understanding of Daniel’s character and allows us to anticipate the choices he makes and the examples he will follow.

Exposition Exposition is a literary device used to introduce background information about events, settings, characters etc. to the audience or readers. The word comes from the Latin language and its literal meaning is “a showing forth.” Exposition is crucial to any story, for without it nothing makes sense. An author uses exposition not only to tell us what has happened, but also to help us understand character better and to further the theme of the book. Examples of Exposition from movies and literature: Star Wars - The crawling text on the screen at the beginning of this movie gives the audience every piece of information they need to understand the upcoming events in the film. The opening lines began … “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” “The Three Bears” – applied exposition when the author wanted the reader to be fully aware of the characters in the story.

The function of exposition: The importance of exposition in literature, as well as in our everyday reading, cannot be ignored. Not only is it important for bringing clarity to what you are reading, but it is also vital to enhance its literary value. The true essence of a book usually lies in how the reader is introduced to the characters and if done correctly, the reader automatically starts relating to them.

Exposition: Early or Late in the Story? An exposition is typically positioned at the beginning of a novel or a movie because the author wants the readers to be fully aware of the characters in the story. Why do you think Elizabeth George Speare, the author of The Bronze Bow, waited until chapter seven and eight to have Daniel tell his story?

The importance of understanding why. The author waited to tell us Daniel’s full story until we really wanted to know. Daniel is not ready to share his story until now. It is difficult for Daniel to retell his story. He has never really shared it with anyone. At the beginning of the book, we didn’t know how much Daniel detested the Romans. If we had heard about it at the beginning, it would not have felt as sad to us. Now that we have met Leah and Daniel, their story seems even sadder.

Relationships tell the story. The appearance of Joel and his sister, and then his old companion, Simon, are reminders to Daniel of the responsibilities and ties to his old life that he had decided to forget. They continue to prick his conscience, driving him back to the people he has deserted. They goad him to take up the mantle of responsibility and manhood his father left to him. As the story progresses, Daniel learns the meaning of manhood, and begins to shoulder adult responsibilities.

Discussion of Chapter 7 Where is Daniel in when he tells his story? What kind of circumstances make it easier to share difficult things? What role does trust and friendship play among Daniel, Joel, and Thace? Does it help or make it worse for Daniel? Do these types of settings and circumstances apply to your ability to share difficult times?

What is the story of Daniel’s past? Daniel’s father. Daniel’s family history with the Romans was a brutal one. Daniel’s uncle had a wife and a baby he loved very much. Daniel’s uncle bought his wife a gift at the birth of their first child with the money he should have saved for taxes. The Roman tax collector came early that year to collect taxes. Daniel’s uncle was very proud and did not ask anyone to help him gather the needed money. Instead Daniel’s uncle argued with the Romans. The Romans arrested him and put him in the guardhouse. Daniel’s father gathered the money for him, but his brother had gotten angry with the Romans, so they refused to let him go. His uncle’s wife was terrified. She begged Daniel’s father for help. Daniel’s father gathered four friends, who armed themselves and waited in a cornfield for the Romans to pass by with his brother. When the Romans passed, the group attacked. All the attackers were captured and crucified.

The Story of Daniel’s Past Daniel’s mother, sister, and grandmother: Daniel’s mother refused to leave the cross of her husband for two days and two nights. She caught pneumonia from exposure and died shortly after his father died. His young sister was so traumatized by the event that she became possessed by demons of fear. Consequently, she refused to leave her home, or to be seen by anyone. She hadn’t left her home since she was 5 years old. Daniel’s grandmother was his sole remaining relative and became the caretaker. Without a male provider, she was reduced to poverty. She sold Daniel to Amalek, an abusive blacksmith, as an apprentice/slave. It was in this situation that Daniel made the acquaintance of Simon the Zealot, and from there he fled into the mountains and was cared for by Rosh the leader of the band of rebels.

Different Examples to Follow: In The Bronze Bow, Daniel has examples from several different men in his life. It is important for Daniel to choose a leader to follow. He is confused and unsure about whom he should follow. We will discuss his examples and how he can best decide which leader to follow. Let’s look at the examples of Joel and his family, Rosh, Simon, and Jesus.

The Examples of others to follow: Joel’s Father – Joel’s father is a learned man who has sided with the conservative majority in the crisis of Roman rule. Rather than cast his lot with bandits like Rosh who hid in the hills and antagonized their Roman oppressors, he hopes to work within the new framework the Romans provided to establish a peaceable kingdom. He believes the violence that the zealots fomented is damaging to the Jewish people, and refuses to allow this hatred to infect his own household. To prevent this, he denies Daniel access to Joel and Thacia. Personally, Joel’s father holds nothing against Daniel. He somewhat likes Daniel’s spirit. He is of like mind concerning the need for a Messiah Redeemer. Yet his approach to this event is entirely different than Daniel’s.

Example of Joel “Joel’s voice, hardly more than a whisper, trembled with earnestness as he read,[to Daniel]” “And their faces shall be filled with shame, And the darkness shall grow deeper on their faces, And He will deliver them to the angels for punishment, to execute vengeance on them because they have oppressed His children and His elect;” Joel is reading from a scroll of scripture. What does it mean to Daniel? What does it mean to Joel?

Rosh Daniel asks Joel and Malthace the following question about Rosh: “Did you ever think that Rosh – that he might be the leader we are waiting for?” Malthace answers: “But this Rosh is an outlaw! Surely God will not choose a man like that to bring in His kingdom!” Daniel says, “What difference does it make what Rosh is, if he can rid us of the Romans the kingdom can take care of itself.”

Joel speaks of the Kingdom. Joel replies, “But it is the same thing. Victory and the kingdom.” What do you think Joel meant by the kingdom? How do you think Daniel understood the kingdom and victory?

The symbol of the bronze bow. Joel recites from memory the following from the Song of David. “…God is my strong refuge, and has made my way safe. He made my feet like hinds’ feet, and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation.” Discuss want this means to Joel and Daniel?

The Oath Joel, and Malthace take an oath to avenge the death of Daniel’s father and fight for Israel. Daniel says, “No, Joel! It’s not your quarrel.” Joel replies, “But it is!...Mine and every other Jew’s.” Malthace adds, “If I were a boy, I would make a vow too.” Then added, “Why can’t I…why can’t a girl serve Israel too? What about Deborah and Queen Esther?” What is the importance of this oath between friends?

The example of Simon Daniel comes to ask Simon for help in repairing Rosh’s knife. What role did Simon play in helping Daniel to fulfill his assignment for Rosh? What did Simon mean when he said, “I have little need for money just now. Take what you need.”

Example of Jesus Simon introduces Daniel to Jesus. Jesus says to Daniel, “I am glad you have come.” Daniel is unable to speak. While at dinner, someone calls to Jesus, “Teacher, no one has provided for us to wash our hands. In this house do you not observe the Law?” “Was it needful?” Jesus replied, “Do not be distressed. It was not needful. In this house the food has been given with love. Let us make sure our hearts rather than our hands are worthy to receive this gift.” What did Jesus mean by this?

Reason and Relate How do the examples of Daniel’s friends follow the examples of Jesus? When do they not? Discuss the importance of observing the actions of others and evaluating the intent of their actions and the intents of their hearts.