This document contains a student paper analyzing various topics discussed in literature class. It discusses how some who claim to be Christian actually spread hate rather than love. It also compares the different outlooks of the characters Mersault from The Stranger and Forrest Gump, though their mothers shared some ideals. Additionally, it examines how popular figures like President Clinton have faced scandals due to weakness for temptation. The document also references how substance abuse was an issue in both past works like Private Memoirs and today.

1. Marcie Bosworth
ENG 230
Professor Morgan Richardson
16 November 2011
Slaughterhouse Multimedia
When reading The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner, the quote
about Gil-Martin‟s (Satan‟s) followers believing themselves to be Christians immediately stuck
out to me. It is unfortunately common to see the Bible read in an overly literal way that leads to
actions in complete opposition of the values of Christianity. The Bible‟s claim that
homosexuality is a sin, for example, says nothing of God‟s alleged hatred for homosexuals. The
“Christians” in that picture frequent political hotspots with signs like “God hates gays.” They
also attend funerals of fallen soldiers with signs that read “Pray for more dead soldiers.” While
their intent is a mystery to me, it is clear to the majority of people that understand Christianity
that this is not what the religion supports. In the words of blogger Jason Hess (whose picture is
featured on the PowerPoint), “They will know us by our…hate?” Hess is questioning the
picketing in light of the well-known Bible verse, “By this all men will know that you are my
disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). The fact that these people wear their hatred with
such pride and parade their actions as “God‟s will” is pure irony, much like Robert‟s belief that
his murders were done to cleanse earth in God‟s name. Both Hogg and Hess see the folly in these
self-appointed religious experts. Ignorance, particularly the kind rooted in religion, transcends all
educational improvements and increased knowledge across time.
Every man learns his most important life lessons from his mother. Mersault in The
Stranger remarks that, “Maman used to say you can always find something to be happy about.”

2. Forrest Gump from the movie Forrest Gump notes that “Mama used to say „Life is like a box of
chocolates; you never know what you‟re going to get.” While the two pieces of advice have
somewhat different meanings, both are positive messages from mothers instructing their sons in
how to best deal with the world. There is irony and humor in this comparison, because analytical,
indifferent, emotionally detached Mersault has little in common with happy-go-lucky, caring,
curious Forrest. They see and react to the world in strikingly different ways, yet it seems as if
their mothers may have had some ideals in common.
Many popular icons of modern day would agree with Gawain that a woman can lead a
man astray. Whether it is truly the acts of a woman or the preexisting weakness of the man that
leads to his ultimate downfall is another debate entirely. In recent years, we have seen many
scandals manifest themselves in the public spectrum. One of the extremely well-known examples
of this is President Bill Clinton and his mistress Monica Lewinski. Like many popular authority
figures, Clinton and his most loyal followers believed, as Gawain did for himself as well, that he
should be excused from condemnation. The temptation for men to chase women they are not
meant to have has existed since the medieval days, and is ever-present in today‟s modern world
as well.
George Colwan‟s excessive use of alcohol is not difficult for readers today (particularly
the college audience in our class) to envision. Drinking too much is perhaps even more of a
common theme today than it was in the time of Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified
Sinner. One great example of someone who abused alcohol (and a variety of other substances) to
the point where he had little awareness and control over his actions is Charlie Sheen. He is well-
known for his recent theatrics and outbursts at the hands of drugs and alcohol. The

3. accompanying quote may be outdated in its diction, but is completely relevant in today‟s culture
in its content.
The final image is a picture I took myself. This man stands on a coffin covered in Bible
verses and reads scripture using a bullhorn. The passages he chooses have a much more “Hell,
fire, and brimstone” tone than they do of love and acceptance. The idea of converting someone
through coercion rather than a genuine change of heart is almost laughable in its simplicity.
Mersault agrees with this point of view. Even in his last minutes, when he is warned that he will
soon be on his way to Hell, he is (as per usual) indifferent, even annoyed by the man‟s
insistence. Much like the students passing the radical Christian by on their way to class, Mersault
has only a few minutes, and no time to “waste on God.”