Shortly after JDS’ interpretation of the book of Tobit, the narrator highlights Sarah’s magnitude of ethical maturity when with great praise when he states “to take upon oneself the responsibility of permitting the beloved such a daring venture!” (p.91). This statement, is of course in reference to Sarah’s determination, which is more like a hope, to find a partner in marriage. Any man that would risk himself to be Sarah’s husband, is in effect exposing himself against all odds, to a demonic curse that has seeks to diminish any opportunity for Sarah to give herself to someone. Consequently, this demonic curse, prevents Sarah from the opportunity to obtain happiness brought by love. Nevertheless, Sarah maintains hiddenness in her sorrows, and remains poised enough to once attempts to be wedded to Tobias.
In contrast, to Sarah’s character JDS introduces Gloucester or Richard the Third, who, unlike Sarah did not possess the courage to “bear the pity he was at the mercy on from childhood” (p. 92). Although, both Sarah and Gloucester were portrayed by JDS as both, being distinct, in both their situations and consequent behaviors. Nevertheless, JDS seems to imply, that there is an existing correlation between both Sarah and Gloucester, that which places both of them “thoroughly in the paradox” (p.93). Adding on, JDS insinuates that none of these two characster, Sarah or Gloucester along with their existence, can be labeled as competent beings within ethical society. Instead, JDS asserts that to judge both Sarah and Gloucester on a standard of ethics, would be ridiculing both subjects. For example, it would be like asking Sarah “Why do you not express the universal and get married” (p. 93).
By contrasting both Sarah and Gloucester, one could see how JDS attempts to portray to the lector the contrast between the inner spiritual world, and the external world of the ethical. Although, it is quite clear to assume that Gloucester who failed to contain himself in the face of pity, was lost in a paradox as a “vile demoniac” As a vile demoniac, Gloucester could be considered “a slave of the finite,” unable to conform to the discord between his being and what he desires. In contrast, is it accurate to assume that Sarah, who through her trials and tribulation was able to maintain hiddenness just like Abraham did by keeping his silence when asked by God to sacrifice Isaac, is “saved in the divine paradox?” If so, does the resignation to the pain and suffering she allowed on herself, put her above the universal and thus affords her the title of Knight of Faith?
Well, Tobias is certainly a Knight of Faith. He knows a demon will kill him if he attempts to marry Sarah but marries Sarah on faith alone and prays to God to be saved. He puts himself in God's hands, which allows him to do something most people would consider completely and totally crazy. He even acts independently from his love of his parents; Johannes notes that he is an only son and so is the only heir his parents will ever have. His loss would therefore rob them of something great- but he still risks his life.
ReplyDeleteAs for Sarah, she resigns herself to being forever in Tobias' debt. She gives up the pain of never being loved in exchange for an even bigger pain, to be forever at Tobias' mercy for having saved her and still not hate him for it. According to Johannes, anyway. By me, it would have been far more noble to refuse to allow Tobias to risk his life for her. That is giving up love and marriage to save someone's life.