Essay Questions

Why is this book controversial?

Many religious scholars dislike this book because they feel it portrays one religion as better than another. When he is a Jew, Daniel is angry, vengeful and has a heart filled with hate. He has gone through an incredible trauma but refuses to forgive, instead seeking justice through violence and retribution.

As Daniel finds Christianity,and converts, his heart becomes more open. He is able to offer forgiveness, and even to offer an olive branch that enables him and his sister to move forward. It is generally accepted that Daniel at the end of the story is a better man than the Daniel at the beginning, and the suggestion within the novel is that this change is because of his religious conversion.

Why does Daniel seek revenge?

Daniel wants to avenge his parents' deaths, and who could blame him? The Romans have crucified his father and his mother has died from a broken heart because of this. His world is turned upside down, and those he loves have been taken from him; who wouldn't want revenge after such a terrible trauma?

He also seeks revenge because he and his sister have been split up, because the horror of the events that have befallen his family have taken a terrible toll on his grandmother's health too, and she eventually becomes too sick to care for both children.

What does the novel tell us about the Roman government?

It is clear from the story that the Romans were brutal rulers. Crucifixion was one of the most lengthy and tortuous ways to die, and it was a punishment they meted out regularly, and for seemingly small infractions. It was not a punishment reserved for murderers or rapists; Daniel's father could not pay his taxes, and was crucified as a result. The Romans were not in the least benevolent leaders, quite the opposite. They seemed to revel in the bloodthirsty whenever they could.

The story also shows the Romans to be warmongers; in part, this is why they built an Empire, because they took over other nations by the force of their army.However, it was not an army that was able to strategize very well. Once the rebels were able to gather themselves into a cohesive unit, they were able to out-think and out-strategize the Romans, showing them to be more about might than they were about strategy.