Peace Like a River

by

Leif Enger

Creating a Philosophical Framework

Miracle:An event that appears unexplained by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God.

An Interesting Note:

• Polls show that more Americans believe in miracles than believe in the theory of evolution.

So, what do you believe?

If you do (or did) believe in miracles, what purpose do you think they serve (would serve)?

What might be the benefits of a belief in miracles?

What might be the dangers?

Consider:• To what degree do the following forces take responsibility for individual happiness.

Universal Human NatureFactors in the natural and architectural

environmentIndividual CharacterIndividual Free WillLuck FateDestinyFamilial Relationships and LoyaltiesFriends and Community RelationshipsPurposeful WorkLaw and Legal and Government InstitutionsA Higher Power : “God” or whatever spiritual

powers exist.

Degree of RESPONSIBILITY for individual human happiness.

So, put your brain to work! Now that you have had time to think about the role that each force plays in determining human happiness – create a philosophical framework by rating and putting the forces in order!

Universal Human NatureFactors in the natural and architectural

environmentIndividual CharacterIndividual Free WillLuck FateDestinyFamilial Relationships and LoyaltiesFriends and Community RelationshipsPurposeful WorkLaw and Legal and Government InstitutionsA Higher Power : “God” or whatever spiritual

powers exist.

Now Consider:• To what degree do the following forces take responsibility for individual misery.

Universal Human NatureFactors in the natural and architectural

environmentIndividual CharacterIndividual Free WillLuck FateDestinyFamilial Relationships and LoyaltiesFriends and Community RelationshipsPurposeful WorkLaw and Legal and Government InstitutionsA Higher Power : “God” / “The Devil” or

whatever spiritual powers exist.

Degree of RESPONSIBILITY for individual human misery.

Reverse! Put your brain to work again! Considering your previous order– now create a philosophical framework by rating and putting the forces in order to show their degree of responsibility for creating individual human misery!

Universal Human NatureFactors in the natural and architectural

environmentIndividual CharacterIndividual Free WillLuck FateDestinyFamilial Relationships and LoyaltiesFriends and Community RelationshipsPurposeful WorkLaw and Legal and Government InstitutionsA Higher Power : “God” or whatever spiritual

powers exist.

Finally, Apply your IDEAS

Considering your knowledge of Peace Like a River, generate a list of AT LEAST five philosophical and or social issues that are raised in the novel. Express these issues in the form of questions.

Taking it a level DEEPER

Now, pick two of your questions and provide the answer that you believe the author, Leif Enger, would have given based on your reading.

Now, take those answers and turn them into two concrete statements of theme for Peace Like a River. Remember to cite author and title in your single sentence statement.

Polish and edit the statements for correct grammar and sophisticated vocabulary.

Turn one to two statements in!