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Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered; it is something molded. Antoine de Saint-Expert. Vicar Mark Brian, a man that has been given only three years to live, is sent to a remote village to teach a traditional indian tribe Christian beliefs.
During his first year he learns that his mission is not only to educate the tribe but save them from self-extinction. Through his actions, thoughts, and beliefs the overall theme of personal growth and sacrifice are structured in Margaret Craven s modern classic, I Heard the Owl Call My Name. The first example of Mark s growth, and the first step to his own personal growth, is his unselfish behavior. This behavior is showed first through his skirmish with the schoolteacher. The teacher, who is always complaining about his living conditions, tells Mark to complain to the authorities about his living conditions. Even the smallest villages were given more pencils and pads.
Also, he is expected to pay for the paper tissues which he dropped so generously on the sniffling noses of his pupils. Furthermore, his house had no electricity, and its tiny bathroom was so small that when he sat upon the throne-of-thought he could not shut the door without hitting his knees (p 38 - 39) Mark, not even having the luxury of indoor pluming, did not complain or demand the authorities to add on a bathroom to his vicarage, but instead suggested the teacher cut two round holes for his knees to stick through. The next example of Mark s unselfish behavior is his refusal to ask for a new vicarage, although he desperately needs one. Instead, he patiently waits until the tribe respects him enough to help him. Another way Craven s theme is expressed is through Mark s personal sacrifices to the tribe.
There was never a time when he was to busy to help someone or to offer advise. An example of this is when the elders wanted to build a new graveside. Mark puts to rest their fears of not being able to bury their dead by helping them build a new graveside. The last of Craven s theme is expressed through the impact Mark has had on all of the tribe. Jim Wallace, one of his good friends, becomes a better person because of Mark.
He decides to be tolerable and sensitive to Keith. When you come I will not bang on the table when I want coffee. I will not leave you too much alone in the village, and each year I will take you out and show you the big world, because Mark said that when the village is gone, we too must be able to walk across the bridge (p 156 - 57) This shows the impact he had on the tribe and how they will be forever changed because of him. Another example of the change Mark instilled upon the tribe is Mrs. Hudson deciding what food she will serve at Mark s funeral. And what vegetable?
Carrots, and tears trickled down the cheeks of the matriarch. He never like mashed turnips and I made him eat them. I am a stubborn woman who wants her own way. (p 157) This shows that he made an impact on all in the village. Throughout the novel an important lesson is being told, one that in today s world is often forgotten. This lesson is of kindness, sacrifice, and unselfishness. Craven, through Mark Brian s actions, deeds, and beliefs, conveys a theme of personal growth and sacrifice.
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Research essay sample on Mark Brian Personal Growth
