Barabbas (Magill Book Reviews)
At a glance:
- Author: Pär Lagerkvist
- First Published: 1950
- Type of Work: Philosophical/Historical Novel
- Genres: Long fiction, Expressionist literature
- Subjects: Slavery or slaves, Robbery or robbers, Christianity, Truth, Biblical times, Jesus Christ, Martyrs or martyrdom, Apostles
- Locales: Holy Land, Jerusalem, Cyprus, Palestine, Rome, ancient, Near East
Drawn almost against his will to the Crucifixion, Barabbas tries to view it as an ordinary execution. When darkness descends, he concludes that his eyes have gone strange from prison. Afterward, he goes to a tavern run by a fat woman, who, like most of the characters, is never given a name, emphasizing Barabbas’ isolation from others.
Barabbas’ acquaintances expect him to be jubilant upon his release but find him moody and withdrawn. He lives briefly with the fat woman, while seeking the followers of the crucified rabbi. When they learn who he is, they shun him. Preoccupied...
[The entire page is 570 words long]
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