Essay Questions

Show how religious differences are brought out in G. K. Chesterton’s The Ball and the Cross.

As the story begins in the prologue, a case of religious difference is presented as professor Lucifer and Father Michael are engrossed in a discussion about the truth. An argument ensues between these two characters following their varied beliefs with regard to religion. Whereas Father Michael is a man who believes in religion, Lucifer, on the other hand, believes in science. As the ship in which the two are traveling passes over a cathedral, Lucifer pushes Michael out of it. Lucifer is then later sent over to a mental asylum as everyone believes him mad.

Bring out the role that arguments and differences among the characters presented in G. K. Chesterton’s The Ball and the Cross play in the characters’ lives in the novel.

As a result of a religious difference that ensues between Professor Lucifer and Father Michael, the two individuals are unable to come to terms, and as such, Lucifer pushes Michael out of the ship. This act shows how beliefs can be blinding for both parties. The act of pushing the priest out of the ship lands Lucifer in trouble as he is arrested and thrown into a mental asylum following the belief that he is mad. On the other hand, McIan also lands in trouble after shattering a window to a shop that holds a poster that goes against his beliefs. Later, a friendship strikes between these two individuals as they even land in trouble together. In a way, the difference that ensued between them is used as a backdrop to presenting how agreeing with others can result in peace and friendship.

Compare and contrast the characters of Professor Lucifer and Father Michael in G. K. Chesterton’s The Ball and the Cross.

In this work, both the characters Professor Lucifer and Father Michael can be argued as being argumentative. This is particularly brought out in this novel when these two characters engage in an argument while traveling. Even though Father Michael is able to make his point, professor Lucifer does not take lightly to this as he throws him off of the flying ship. This can be argued as his response to losing in this argument or being angry. Michael has to save himself by hanging off the cathedral’s roof.