Compromise is Hard- Even to Read About

This novel’s conclusion intrigues me because its message seems somewhat austere and countercultural nowadays. I haven’t come across many endings like this one and so I’m not sure how I feel about it, although it does seem fitting.  A previous blog post expresses frustration with the ending, especially because it seems like both Aloma and Orren are making a poor decision by getting married and tying themselves to each other and the farm.  I think that Morgan argues that part of growing up and maturing is learning to be still and content in life, a task not accomplished by selfish thinking and putting one’s own interest first. 

            Early on we learn that Aloma desperately dreams of leaving the mountains and farm life, of studying piano in the “real world” and never looking back (15).  Aloma is incredibly restless, and people constantly tell her to be still, for example, early on when she asks Orren about a new piano (45).  What I find interesting is that Bell also stresses stillness in the sermon he gives about listening to the “small still voice” of God; Bell says, “Once I got my own voice all stilled, then I heard it” (80).  In Aloma and Orren’s relationship, Aloma is never still, always contemplating leaving, and always the one doing most of the talking.  She definitely seems more restless.  I sometimes couldn’t help but see a connection between Orren and religion, even though he is not himself religious.  Again on 91 when Aloma opens the Bible to a verse that describes exactly what Orren does: “better to visit the house of mourning than the house of feasting, for to be mourned is the lot of every man and the living should take this to heart.”  As much as I noticed this connection, I don’t necessarily think that Morgan idolizes Orren’s actions completely, because his firm commitment to misery and self-reliance causes problems for himself and his relationship. For example, this is what prevents him from saving the birthing cow, and it isn’t until after this incident that Orren reaches a turning point and admits loneliness and that he wants help. 

            Our modern culture often stresses the individual’s needs above all else, especially when it comes to making life and career decisions.  We are often encouraged not to let anyone hold us back from achieving our dreams.  However, I think Morgan might believe that the only way to deal with the continual feeling of lack in a morally beautiful way is to look outside ourselves and decide to love:  Bell says, “God asks us to be less so that others might be more” (80).   He also says, “I don’t think looking inside for a feeling is nearly ever the answer. It’s looking out” (138).  These concepts definitely go against many messages the idea that the individual must be happy and whole before she can relate to others and love others.  In fact, it suggests the opposite.  The type of love Morgan condones is difficult and requires compromise and relinquishing one’s own restless needs, but also is more rewarding and beautiful because of it.  I do think the ending of this novel is quite beautiful, however, I’m not sure if I read this as a moral suggestion, or if it is, I probably will not take it.