The Great Answer Four Levels
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| Fulton Oursler |
Four Levels of The Great Answer
- Fulton Oursler
1.LITERAL COMPREHENSION :
This story "The Great Answer" is written by American writer Fulton Oursler. It is a story about a long and difficult journey made by a group of refugees from France to Spain.
During the World War II, France was under the control of Germany. German police were looking Jewish refugees to imprison and kill them in concentration camp. Many French refugees wanted to cross the Spanish border and reach America to save them from Gestapo (the Hitler's army) but the Spanish guards didn't allow them to pass through usual borders. So, many of them had to take secret routes up and down the hills, often at night. Among them was a young mother with her little daughter of four. There was a rumour that German police were coming to that place for investigation. She prayed to God for freedom. Coincidentally, an underground guide came and guided all of them to cross the mountain. He believed in God and hoped to get his help in difficulty.
Getting tired of long journey, the young woman lost her hope of continuing her journey. Soon, she met a group of other refugees; old men, women, middle-aged and young men who were waiting to be guided up and over the mountain, down to safety and freedom. The leader was telling them to trust God in hardship. The middle-aged men volunteered to take turns in carrying the lady's daughter. As they ascended higher, they got exhausted. An old man in the group gave up saying that he would no longer move further. He requested others to continue their journey leaving him to die on the way but the leader rigidly told him to use his remaining strength in carrying the child. Other three old men lost hope on the way but they were also urged to carry the child. Early in the morning, they crossed Spanish border and went to America where they were safe and free. The old men who had helped the young woman were also alive. In fact they were more energized. They had found new strength, new life and were ready to face a new world of freedom. It was the great answer for the riddle of life.
2.INTERPRETATION :
The most important message of the story is that God helps those who sacrifice themselves for other's sake. If we help others selflessly we receive new energy and strength. This is the great answer for the riddle of life. Life can run smoothly through mutual help. One should face any challenge with courage and hope.
3.CRITICAL THINKING :
This is a short, fine story with a great message. However some points are questionable. For instance; how could the old men who had no energy to pull themselves along carry the lady's child? Do such magical things happen in real life? Are our good deeds always rewarded? Will every dying man regain life simply by helping others with remaining energy? If this was the case, people would never die.
4.ASSIMILATION :
After reading this story I decided not to escape from any kind of problems and obstacles. I will always accept the challenges of problems and try to solve it.I also realize that if we keep on trying to solve the problems , one day we can definitely solve it.
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