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  • Essay / School - 1528

    In the opening pages, Lester Ballard is described as a "child of God, a bit like you perhaps." However, this novel focuses on her heinous violation of social taboos such as theft, rape, and murder. Ballard is debased and known for his unprovoked violence. Certain events that take place in the novel contribute to Ballard's descent into madness, which allows the reader to feel empathy towards him. However, the polyphonic, omniscient narrative emphasizes the apathetic tone of those associated with Ballard. This highlights the confusing nature of the title “Child of God.” In many religions, a child of God is equated with a child in a family. We inherit attributes from our parents and this idea is paralleled with our relationship with God. This essay will explore how author Cormac McCarthy helps the reader understand how Lester Ballard is a child of God. He does this by explaining that Ballard was not born to become a murderous necrophiliac. He is simply the product of his experiences. The reader can recognize the progression of Ballard's descent into madness by understanding his past and his experiences explained throughout the novel. Additionally, the hateful actions of other characters in the novel underscore McCarthy's desire to emphasize how violence is a part of human nature. Throughout the novel, it is evident that Ballard faces cruelty and social marginalization. As a result, he isolates himself from his community to such an extent that it can be considered solipsism. While this in no way justifies his actions, it does give some insight into why Ballard committed such heinous crimes. Ballard's lack of communication with people and his rare interactions with individuals from...... middle of article...... end of the novel, the reader learns that Ballard is being introduced to students for purposes scientists. One MP says: “I think people have been the same since the day God created them.” McCarthy asks Ballard to present every taboo imaginable in society, from murder to arson to necrophilia. However, he is not the only one who behaves appallingly, including the father raping his daughter, the Klu Klux country gangsters, and the mob justice displayed by the townspeople. Yet Ballard's descent into violence and madness, graphically depicted in this novel, is essential to understanding the worst unconscious human desire. He is capable of questioning what makes a person a human being and not simply an objectified being capable of controlling society. He does this by exploring these taboos in society in order to respond to a young girl's taunt: "You're not even a man. You're just crazy."."