Question

One interpretation of the story "The Lightning-Rod Man" is that Melville is criticizing certain Christian missionaries of the time. Do you agree with this interpretation? If so, describe how you see this theme reflected in the story. If not, discuss a more prominent theme you see presented in the story.

Answer 1

Melville’s story is an allegory that conveys his criticism of Christian missionaries. Melville uses several biblical, scientific, mythological, and historical allusions to build his allegory. The lightning-rod man represents Christian missionaries, while the narrator represents Melville’s beliefs. According to him, missionaries are displacing and destroying the cultures they are attempting to convert rather than bringing them true spirituality. Although the narrator isn’t influenced by the lightning-rod man, he is saddened and worried to see his neighbors fall prey to the missionaries' trap. The narrator tries to dissuade his neighbors from believing in the lightning-rod man, who continues to thrive as he “trades with the fears of men.” Unlike many others of the time period, Melville believes in being God-loving, not God-fearing.

Answer 2

The answer is yes. Melville is really criticizing the Christian Missionaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Because he uses many biblical, scientific, and mythological themes to built his story. The lighting -rod man is a representation of the missionares, while the narrator represents Melville beliefs. The center idea of the story is that the christianism convertion is destroying the cultures, values, and customs established before. The convertion is not about real spiritually, but about imposing the missionaries way of living. The narrator tries to dissuade his neighbors from believing in the lightining rod man, Melville believes in a God full of love and not in a God or religion imposed by fear.