A summer vacation with a grandfather you've never met before in a place you' don't find comfortable and habits that run counter to all that you know -- that's a tough gig. So is watching some of these performances, but the color is stunning and the music stirring and the story, well, hmmmm, what IS the story here? So, give the following a little thought:
1. Thinking about the two sermons we've heard from Bishop Enoch, how would you describe his theology? What is his message for his congregation?
2. What do you think about Deacon Zee? What does his role offer the story?
3. Yes, the kids who play Chazz and Flik lack the kind of acting skills that would prevent a good bit of cringing from the audience, but looking past the stiff performances, what is the relationship between these two characters?
1. His main message to his congregation is that if you have faith in Jesus and God you don't need to worry about a thing. He very much believes that faith in Jesus is all you need to have a good life. He says other people are worrying about the weather, taxes, money, etc. but all you need to do is believe in Jesus and everything will be alright.
ReplyDelete2. Deacon Zee offers a kind of levity from the story. Although the story isn't dark at all, you can see how it would get very repetitive with the traditional Jesus heavy views. Zee offers a type of crazy religious view that lets the audience not get beaten over the head with the straightforward Jesus preaching.
3. The relationship between the two main children is a very love hate relationship. They start of hating each other, then they become friends, then one event happens and they hate each other again, and so on. Chazz offers a view from somebody who has lived there the entire time. She isn't super religious which lets her be an outlit for Flik to express himself.
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ReplyDelete1. During both of his sermons, he preaches that even if you don't have anything else, you will always have God. He previously told Flik about women who lost their children and they still praised the Lord. He says that nothing in life matters more than faith in God.
ReplyDelete2.I think Deacon Zee is very philosophical. In the beginning, I thought he was like a drunk and he was just there to make things funny. After Flix chased Chazz with the rat, Deacon Zee told Flix that he would see a lot more dead things in this town if he stays longer. He is saying that not everyone makes it out of the town, so he should be lucky that he has a chance to live.
3.In the beginning of the movie, Chazz and Flik really don't like each other. Chazz catches Flix eating chips from the church storage and later on, Flik chases her with a mouse. Their relationship gets better when Chazz tells Flix not to go in the “Blood” area of the neighborhood. Even though Chazz didn't like him in the beginning, she basically saves his life.
1. Enoch is dead set in the idea that faith in God is the answer to all of life's problems. Whether this proves to be a good philosophy or not is the bigger question. He says not to worry about things like the roof or bills because faith is what is most important. He tells Flik that the reason he worries so much is because he doesn't have enough faith.
ReplyDelete2. I think Deacon Zee, in many ways, is the opposite of Bishop Enoch. He is a realist, as opposed to an idealist. He sees the problems with Red Hook and doesn't try to pretend everything is ok. Bishop Enoch has a strong belief that his faith can get him through anything, but Deacon Zee counters him, bringing a cynical and unromantic point of view.
3. I think they balance each other out. When they meet, both characters are feeling lonely. Chaz can express her doubts about religion to Flik and he finds the companionship he needed. They are both feeling trapped inside their families' religion and are doubting its validity. They can confide in one another, which is the basis for their friendship.
1. Enoch's congregations are about how if you have faith in God and Jesus, they will lead you in life and help you, even when times are down. He also preaches that God has a plan for everyone on earth, and your faith in God will make life better for you. Faith in God and Jesus solve all problems, he says.
ReplyDelete2. I think his role offers a blend between Enoch and Silas. He is a religious man, as he offers a big contribution to the church, like Enoch. But he also has some rebellious kid in him. For example, he lies about the food to cover up the Silas and Chazz. He also rambles about the past more, which defers from Enoch because he is always looking forward and talking about God's future plans. His role provides a gel between grandfather and grandson.
3. The relationship between Silas and Enoch is interesting. Sometimes they act like best friends, other times they argue and taunt each other like they're worst enemies. But they both share the qualities of growing up and losing faith. Chazz talks about this when she's standing over the water and talking about jumping. Whether she was serious or not while discussing this about how she's outgrowing faith and realizing its' faults, she clearly doesn't obey the congregation like she used to.
1. That you must follow set rules placed in the bible in order to find salvation. He says with modern culture our generation is being corrupted by rap and a strive to look cool instead of following the will of God. He does try and use the bible and scripture to cite what he believes so he does have some reason behind it.
ReplyDelete2. I think he serves as antithesis to Enoch because Enoch preaches about what us as humans should do and Zee does the opposite of them. For example, Enoch says that we shouldn't focus on what we should have done and focus on what we can still do, while Zee always talks about how they should have invested in stock when they could. Zee is also play with the kids having fun and getting in trouble while Enoch is very strict about it.
3. It is an awkward summer romance where it seems like they like one another but they don't actually want to say it. It is interesting because it seems lie, north of them are drifting from the church. Silas because he has never been a religious person. And Chazz because it seems like she doesn't see how God has helped her in her life.
1. He belives that the people in his community are less prvillaged, and this is true. He belives that if you have Jesus in your life, he will reveal the answers to you.
ReplyDelete2. Zee is a visionary and even though his character claims he thought of successful ideas and nobody listened to him, like buying Apple stock, he gives insight into the mindset of the people in Red Hook.
3. They are innocent and even though they want to be tough and independent, they need guidance. They feel a connection towards eachother but they don't know how to express it yet. They want to impress eachother with dares and threats to get each others attention.
1. Pastor Enoch wants his church to be faithful in God. He thinks that if you believe that God will help you, then he will even if his help does not come when you want it. God knows that you need help and will be "on time", even if you want him to come earlier.
ReplyDelete2. Deacon Zee is added for humor, but most of his lines hold valuable truths, even when they are funny. Deacon Zee proves the point that jokes are always based in reality and contain wisdom.
3.Their relationship has developed into a little romance. I dont see anything special about it though.
Red Hook Summer Blog Questions
ReplyDeleteJoanie Dorfman
1. Enoch talks scornfully of the current generation for it's obsession with material things, such as rap and gold teeth. He scolds them for worrying about politics as he believes that man's problem,s should be solved by God. He claims that these things should be lost in pursuit of Jesus, and if you seek Jesus he will free you from the struggles of life. His view is an optimistic one for those who "take God into their hearts". His believes seem to be that faith isn't about being a compassionate man so much as a God-fearing one.
2. Deacon Zee acts as sort of a counter to Enoch. Enoch is a strictly religious man, whereas Deacon Zee is more relaxed, seeing God's word in a more flexible way (as evidenced by their debate over Zee's drinking habits). While Enoch might stand at the podium during church hours, they both act as preachers. Deacon Zee preaches to Chazz and Flik about politics and death and the state of the town, whereas Enoch preaches that those things aren't of concern to a religious man. Deacon Zee proves a more cynical world view to counter Enoch's optimistic one.
3. Chazz and Flik's relationship is one that on the surface seems very harsh and distant. It seems that the two put up walls to keep them from getting to close to each other, particularly Chazz. But the two grow close despite this and have a relationship that feels, while sometimes mean-spirited, very genuine. The both care about each other and enjoy each other's company, even if they'd rather not admit it.