Women’s Roles/Feminism
Consider arguing that women are the true protagonists of the novel. Malthace, for example, proves herself to be an intelligent person who does not shirk her duties to her family, country, and friends. Malthace is the one who properly interprets David’s analogy of the “bronze bow.” She also makes mistakes but amends them as soon as possible. Furthermore, it is Malthace who exemplifies Jesus’ love when she cares for the injured Daniel. Thacia ministers to Leah, helping the young girl realize her own worth and beauty.

Leah is also an example of the power of the feminine. It is she who is able to keep her family knitted together. Her loom is symbolic of her role. Leah proves that what is traditionally dismissed as “women’s work” is indeed valuable. Baking, sewing, and even knowing the difference between a weed and a vegetable add to the perception of the worth of women in the home. When it comes to love, Leah is the one character who is able to reach beyond her society’s prejudices to love the perceived “wrong” person, the Roman solider Marcus.

The Law
An interesting approach to this novel would be to include an in-depth analysis of the importance of the Law to Jewish society in Jesus’ day. Jews had lived for thousands of years believing that strict adherence to the Law was God’s command. An observant Jew would try to follow the Law to the letter. It must have been quite unsettling to see Jesus attract so many followers when he actively preached that the Law was secondary to having a worthy heart—a heart that is willing to receive God’s blessings. Perhaps even more startling was his mandate that the kingdom of God be accessible to everyone, Jews and Gentiles alike.

Symbolism
Speare’s novel is rich in symbolic imagery. You might consider tracking the numerous instances of the occurrence of the number three, which has two meanings. The first is traditional of the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The other meaning of the number three symbolizes the period of waiting for the intervention of God.

Another symbolic image is that of Leah’s loom. Her skill in weaving reflects her ability to keep her family knitted together.

Of course, the bronze bow itself is a powerful symbol. Initially, Daniel and Joel believe it to be symbolic of the action they feel that Jews must take to throw off their Roman oppressors. But it turns out that the correct interpretation, offered by Malthace early on, is that only God—through the power of his love—can give man the strength to perform the otherwise impossible.

Love vs. Hate
An essay on this topic could compare the fruits of hate to those of love. Rosh lives a life of relative wealth, but he murders, steals, and has no one that he can thoroughly trust. He is alone. Filled with hate, Rosh’s life is one that few people would want to emulate. Daniel follows his example until one day he is able to see with “new eyes” and desire more from his own character and his life.

Jesus, who lives cleanly and simply, exemplifies love. He never engages in any of the self-serving activities that Rosh does; in fact, all of his actions are self-sacrificing. He earns the trust of characters like Simon, who leaves everything to follow him. Those who believe in him want to be “like Jesus.” Jesus shows his love for all people, even those who do not believe, by caring for them both physically and spiritually. Eventually, his love even wins over Daniel, who believed prior to meeting Jesus that he had only hate to offer the world.