I was reading up on Mormonism (frankly because just knowing that OSC is one makes the religion far more appealing to me) and I noticed some things. I apoligize in advance for my lack of knowledge on the LDS faith. Chances are that this has been pointed out already, but still...
Alvin's golden plow = the golden plates that Joseph Smith received? It strikes me that Smith allowed a group of men to see his plates, similar to Alvin showing the men in Hatrack his plow. Not to mention that the plow and the plates were both what allowed the men to 'create' what they were meant to create (even the things the men created are similar, obviously; a church and, well, a temple).
And of course the men have the same last name (assuming Alvin still doesn't refer to himself as 'Maker'). That, and both Smith's events are happening around the same time, and in obviously similar areas.
Like I said, maybe this has all been noticed before, but perhaps in recreating American history, Card has replaced Joseph Smith with Alvin Maker/Smith?
[ April 26, 2005, 11:39 PM: Message edited by: MagusFire ]
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
The Tales of Alvin Maker are allegory.
Alvin is based on Joseph Smith, and as you continue reading up on him, I'm sure you'll notice many parallels between the two.
Which is sort of a sore subject here, because it means Scott is gonna kill off Alvin in the last book. Which a lot of people don't like. Especially me (I get really attached to fictional characters based on real people).
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
I should also say that I am woefully uninformed on Mormonism, and I didn't know that stuff I just told you until I myself was told.
So good job picking that up.
Posted by Portabello (Member # 7710) on :
I wouldn't call them allegory.
But yes, Alvin's life is loosely based on the life of Joseph Smith.
If you want to know how the Alvin series ends, look at how Joseph Smith's life ended. You'll probably get a pretty good idea.
Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :
Look at this thread for more info on what's to come with Alvin
ps - Alvin isn't straight allegory, but it's pretty close.
Posted by Portabello (Member # 7710) on :
I think you are thinking of something besides an allegory.
quote:al·le·go·ry 1. 1. The representation of abstract ideas or principles by characters, figures, or events in narrative, dramatic, or pictorial form. 2. A story, picture, or play employing such representation. John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Herman Melville's Moby Dick are allegories. 2. A symbolic representation: The blindfolded figure with scales is an allegory of justice.
Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :
Magus, good for you if you figured all that out about Alvin/Joseph Smith. I am always slow to pick up on symbolism, but I had heard here at Hatrack that Alvin was based on Joseph Smith, so when OSC started posting regularly after Mar. 9th, I asked him about it. His quick response is on this thread. Posted by BandoCommando (Member # 7746) on :
==SPOILER==
OSC ALWAYS kills off his hero! (OK, so NOT always, but often!)
Posted by docmagik (Member # 1131) on :
I don't know if it's "kills off" so much as "he follows the story until the guy dies."
Posted by TheClone (Member # 6141) on :
A lot of time the story should go on after the hero is eliminated/dies, like it has in several of his books (not going to name name for spoiler reasons.)
Just because the protagonist dies doesn't really have to end the story, the world goes on.
By the way, reading a short bio of Joseph Smith.. I have to say... why would Alvin let himself go that way? I mean, he has a lot to live for... a lot of reasons.
Posted by Moonshine (Member # 7893) on :
The whole event where Alvin gets the bad bone cut out of his leg with only his father holding him is pure Joseph Smith. That is not to say I didn't like it or think it was cool. OSC has such an amazing way of pulling the characters. I cry through many of his books because I get so attached to the characters.