JB Suffering
...rson. Ellie Wiesel attempted to explain his theory on this matter, “I have learned two lessons in my life: first, there are no sufficient literary, psychological, or historical answers to human tragedy, only moral ones. Second, just as despair can come to one another only from other human beings, hope, too, can be given to one only by other human beings.” We do all suffer at some point in our lives and every person questions their faith during these times. People also attempt to reason why they had to endure the horrible circumstances that cause them the angst experienced during this time. We all answer this theodicy question differently, according to how strong our faith, and the degree to which we suffer. In the play J.B. by Archibald MacLeish, the main character J.B. experiences what many would consider the most horrible series of events. His five children all die horrible deaths, his fortune is destroyed, J.B. is overcome with a horrible disease, and finally his wife leaves him with the most hateful last words, “ Curse God and die…” ( P110) J.B. struggles with guilt and the blame of comforters who seek only to point the finger at Job, who they think has somehow sinned against God. Job comes to peace with this suffering with this explanation, “ I’d rather suffer every unspeakable suffering God sends, knowing it was I that suffered, I that earned the need to suffer, I that acted, I that chose, Than wash my hands with yours in that defiling innocence. Can we be men and make an irresponsible ignorance responsibl...