Christ-like Figures and Sacrifice
The true Christ-like figure in the novel is Luigi Murica, a socialist who dies for the cause. Toward the end of the book, Luigi and Don Paolo sit down to a meal of bread and wine together, and Don Paolo reveals his true identity to Luigi. After the meal, Luigi says that he has "confessed" (238). The religious symbolism of this meal, which resembles the Last Supper, is unmistakable. Luigi, who sacrifices himself for socialism and for the betterment of his people, has become a sacrificial, Christ-like figure who has been blessed by Don Paolo. The author suggests that the socialist martyr is the true hero.
Religion and Morality Serving Humanity
A related theme is the way in which any form of religion or morality is only valid if it serves to help humanity. Don Paolo writes to Cristina at the end of the book, "Our love, our disposition for sacrifice and self-abnegation are fruitful only if they are carried into relations with our fellows" (257). In other words, religion and creeds such as socialism are only productive if they help humanity. In this book, the author criticizes both organized religion and dogmatic creeds such as communism and fascism, as they don't really aim to help others. Instead, the author asserts that any valid form of creed or religion must help people. The heroes of the book are those, such as Luigi, whose beliefs allow them to truly serve others.
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