Barabbas: Analysis of Major Characters
"Barabbas" is a novel that explores the complex character of Barabbas, a man who is released in place of Jesus Christ during the Crucifixion. The narrative follows his journey as he grapples with his freedom and the ramifications of his actions. Barabbas, initially a robber, becomes perplexed by the significance of Jesus' death and the meaning of faith. Throughout the story, he encounters various influential characters, including his mistress, who becomes a martyr for her Christian beliefs, and Eliahu, his father, whom he kills to assume leadership of a band of robbers.
Key figures such as Sahak, his fellow slave, and Peter, the Apostle, represent different facets of faith and sacrifice, highlighting Barabbas's internal struggle with belief and identity. The presence of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, adds a poignant layer of guilt and reflection to his character. The novel culminates in Barabbas's own crucifixion, where he ambiguously relinquishes his soul. The story serves as a profound meditation on faith, redemption, and the human condition, inviting readers to consider the implications of choice and belief in the face of historical and spiritual turmoil.
Barabbas: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Pär Lagerkvist
First published: 1950 (English translation, 1951)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Palestine, the Near East, and Rome
Plot: Moral
Time: First century
Barabbas, a convicted robber who is freed so that Jesus Christ might be crucified in his stead. Puzzled by the events of the Crucifixion, he wanders about the earth and is finally enslaved in a Roman mine. Concealing the true nature of his relationship with the crucified Jesus, Barabbas poses as a Christian, but when confronted by the Roman governor, he readily renounces his “faith” and is taken to Rome. One night, seeing flames, he imagines that Christ has returned to save the world and destroy the city. He seizes a burning brand and is arrested and imprisoned with the Christians, who tell him that it is Caesar, not Christ, who has set the fires. Barabbas is crucified for his “crime,” saying, ambiguously, as he dies, that he delivers his soul “to thee.”
Barabbas' mistress, the mother of his dead child. She becomes a Christian and is stoned to death for her beliefs.
Eliahu, Barabbas' father, the leader of a robber band. Barabbas kills him in order to take over leadership of the robbers.
Sahak, Barabbas'fellow slave in the Roman mines, crucified for his faith in Christ.
Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who disturbs Barrabbas with her look of silent reproach as he leaves the Crucifixion.
Peter, the Apostle, of whom Barabbas asks questions about Christ. They are imprisoned and crucified together after the fire in Rome.
Lazarus, raised from the dead; he tells Barabbas that, once one has died, life and death are nothing.