Respuesta :
“The Beginning of the Messiahs” is a short story written by Robert Silverberg. It explores themes of identity, religion, and the struggle for power in a post-apocalyptic world. Here are the key ideas about character, setting, and conflicts in the story:
Character:
1. Simon: The protagonist who discovers his identity as a messiah figure and grapples with the responsibilities and expectations that come with it.
2. Lazarus: Simon’s rival, who also claims to be the messiah and seeks to undermine Simon’s authority.
3. The Followers: People who believe in Simon’s messianic status and follow him fervently.
4. The Oppressors: Those in power who seek to control and suppress the messianic movement for their own gain.
Setting:
1. Post-Apocalyptic World: The story is set in a world ravaged by an unspecified disaster, where society has collapsed, and survivors struggle to survive.
2. Desolate Landscape: The setting is characterized by barren landscapes, ruined cities, and a sense of desolation, reflecting the harshness of the world the characters inhabit.
3. Religious Significance: Despite the devastation, religion and the concept of the messiah still hold significance for the characters, shaping their beliefs and actions.
Conflicts:
1. Internal Conflict: Simon grapples with his identity as the messiah and the weight of the expectations placed upon him, leading to internal conflict as he tries to reconcile his newfound role with his own doubts and fears.
2. Interpersonal Conflict: The rivalry between Simon and Lazarus creates tension and conflict as they vie for followers and control over the messianic movement.
3. Power Struggle: The broader conflict between the messianic movement and the oppressive forces in power reflects a struggle for control and autonomy in a world where authority is contested and fragile.
These elements intertwine to create a rich narrative that explores complex themes of faith, power, and human nature in the face of adversity.
Character:
1. Simon: The protagonist who discovers his identity as a messiah figure and grapples with the responsibilities and expectations that come with it.
2. Lazarus: Simon’s rival, who also claims to be the messiah and seeks to undermine Simon’s authority.
3. The Followers: People who believe in Simon’s messianic status and follow him fervently.
4. The Oppressors: Those in power who seek to control and suppress the messianic movement for their own gain.
Setting:
1. Post-Apocalyptic World: The story is set in a world ravaged by an unspecified disaster, where society has collapsed, and survivors struggle to survive.
2. Desolate Landscape: The setting is characterized by barren landscapes, ruined cities, and a sense of desolation, reflecting the harshness of the world the characters inhabit.
3. Religious Significance: Despite the devastation, religion and the concept of the messiah still hold significance for the characters, shaping their beliefs and actions.
Conflicts:
1. Internal Conflict: Simon grapples with his identity as the messiah and the weight of the expectations placed upon him, leading to internal conflict as he tries to reconcile his newfound role with his own doubts and fears.
2. Interpersonal Conflict: The rivalry between Simon and Lazarus creates tension and conflict as they vie for followers and control over the messianic movement.
3. Power Struggle: The broader conflict between the messianic movement and the oppressive forces in power reflects a struggle for control and autonomy in a world where authority is contested and fragile.
These elements intertwine to create a rich narrative that explores complex themes of faith, power, and human nature in the face of adversity.
