Essay Questions

What is the symbolic meaning of religion used in the book 'Snow in August by Peter Hamill?

The author uses religion figuratively to represent hope and hatred. Michael feels sad when he witnesses a gang of Irish men called Falcons to attack a Jew. During this time, Michael is young. Furthermore, there is nothing he can do to protect the Jewish man from the gang. He goes to his mother to narrate to her what he saw earlier in the day. The mother told Michael that God would punish that gang that attacked the Jewish man. Michael is not satisfied with his mother's response, but he hopes that God will punish that gang. The author also points that religion is the cause of hatred because it promotes racism and war. For instance, there are often conflicts between Muslims and Christians. Similarly, Christians fight among themselves.

How does the theme of terrorism and vehemence emerge in the book?

Michael is only 12 years when he witnesses acts of violence and terrorism. Despite his young age and innocence, Michael understands that violence occurs when an Irish gang badly attacks the Jewish man. According to Michael, the Irish gang terrorizes and harasses the Jews for no good reason. Some of the Jews, including Michael's mother, only believe that God will judge the terrorist gang. Michael is not happy with the assumption that God will provide justice, and he looks for ways of revenge by himself. Michael goes to Rabbi to seek his intervention on killing the Irish gang that is terrorizing the Jews.

How do the baddies use religion to engage in violence?

The baddies are depicted as the most religious group in this book, but, ironically, their religion is the root cause of their violent actions towards others. When Michael realizes that there is no natural justice to kill the terrorists, he seeks assistance from Rabbi, who takes him to summon a Golem to give him powers to kill the Irish gang. The power of Kabbalah is believed to be supernatural, and it can destroy anything. However, the reader does not get an opportunity to uncover whether Michael succeeded in eliminating the gang. What is essential is that the Baddies are regarded as most religious, but they also use their power to destroy others violently.