High School Literature 2.12 The Bronze Bow Chapters 3 & 4 – Daniel’s Troubles

Man versus Self: Internal conflict in the life of Daniel. One Element of Literature is conflict. In The Bronze Bow we witness the internal conflict of Man versus Self in the life of Daniel. Internal conflicts and how they are resolved are good clues to a character’s inner strength and values. The inner conflict that Daniel suffers helps us to understand his character and witness changes in his life as he grows spiritually.

Daniel’s Problems We have already established in the first two chapters the problems Daniel has had to face and deal with in his young life. His father was crucified for stealing and his mother died shortly afterward. His elderly grandmother was unable to care for both and his sister and sold Daniel to an apprentice that beat him. After a few years of intolerable treatment, Daniel ran away and was rescued by Rosh, the leader of a renegade band of rebels who dream of fighting the Romans and returning Israel to her proper state.

Chapter 3 Themes of Bondage and Freedom In chapters three and four we begin to recognize Daniel’s attitudes and feelings and how they don’t allow him to progress due to his hatred for the Romans. This hatred has kept him from being free. "No one is free," said Daniel. "So long as the land is cursed by the Romans.” (Chapter 1, p.9)

Sampson & Daniel Who is free? Who is a slave? A month has passed, and Daniel is still the keeper of Samson. Daniel always had to think if Sampson was hungry or thirsty? Sampson hardly moves without an order from Daniel. Samson is constantly at Daniel's side, and though bothersome at times, he has made life much easier for all the men in the camp by being able to haul more wood and water, and keeping the bellows hot while Daniel turns ore into steel. Was Samson deaf? At times Daniel hated Sampson. At other times when Sampson smiled thankfully at him for a drink of water, Daniel felt he was beginning to like Sampson. When Daniel leaves for the village he orders Joktan to get him his meals in trade for Daniel doing Joktan’s work. As he leaves, Daniel warns the others not play any tricks on Sampson.

Discussion How does the interdependent relationship between Sampson and Daniel represent freedom and loyalty? Who is Sampson loyal to? Who is Daniel loyal to? Can this relationship teach Daniel anything about forgiveness?

Daniel goes into the village.

Daniel sees his family Daniel reluctantly returns home at the urging of an old friend named Simon. Daniel finds his family in worse poverty and hardship than he imagined for himself. He is reminded of his feelings of love for them and feels guilty for their living in poverty. His sister doesn’t recognize him at first and his grandmother and sister save their food for Daniel to eat. He agrees to stay for the Sabbath observance but wants to leave as quickly as he came. Daniel is troubled and conflicted. He wants to return to the open air of the hills yet when he returns it holds only worry and frustration for his life. He truly felt homesick for the mountains.

Fear and Hope Why does Daniel fear returning home? Why is Daniel’s sister afraid of him? When she remembers him, what does she hope for? "You mustn't be afraid of him. He is our brother Daniel come home. When he milks you, you must be good and stand still. See how big and strong he is. He will take care of us and keep us safe." Chapter 3, p.41

Fear and Hope What did Daniel hope for? What did he fear? When he thought… “Hunger gnawed at him…would Joktan make sure Sampson had enough to eat? He wondered how long Sampson waited at the top of the trail. He flung himself on his face … and wept for homesickness.”

Chapter 4 -The Sabbath When the Sabbath came Simon brought Daniel new and clean clothes so he could go to the Synagogue and meet Jesus. When Jesus spoke he spoke softly, but his voice was heard by everyone. After Jesus spoke, everyone was amazed. After the service in the synagogue, Daniel wondered of Jesus was a Zealot. Simon told Daniel that the people of Nazareth tried to kill Jesus. While at the synagogue, Simon and Daniel hear Jesus speak. Daniel’s heart is quickly touched when he hears the Savior speak but then doesn’t understand why he is speaks of freedom without being willing to fight.

Jesus speaks in the synagogue. "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.” What is Jesus trying to teach Daniel and others?

A Message of Hope "I say to you, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe.” Why does Daniel want the Savior to be a fighter? What is the Lord trying to teach him?

Discuss the following scripture. Matthew 5:44 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; How can this apply to Daniel? How can we apply this in our lives?