Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in I Am the Messenger, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Circumstance vs. Choice
Heroism, Sainthood, and Ordinariness
Purpose, Success, and Meaning
Hope, Caring, and Beauty
Summary
Analysis
The next day, Ritchie begins looking for a job. Ed contemplates his own job as a cab driver and wonders what more he wants to do with his life. He tries to reason that he is living the life he wants, but he knows he is not satisfied with his job or his house. He feels as if he decided this was his identity without truly realizing it. And now he does not know where to go from here.
Ritchie’s job search shows that even if one does not know what they want in life, they should continue to search for their purpose nonetheless. Similarly, Ed’s revelation shows how easily one can accept averageness and discontent without even meaning to do so.
Themes
With Ritchie on the right path, Ed considers the next mission, Marv. He does not know what Marv could possibly need, with all his money and his beloved car. Days pass, and New Year’s Eve arrives. Ed goes over to Ritchie’s house for a party. When Ed returns home, he feels sad, because his father is no longer around to celebrate holidays. Ed continues to wrestle with what to do for Marv. He considers Marv’s attachment to his old car, and how he would rather kiss a dog than spend money on a party of his own. He wonders why Marv has saved over $40,000 in the bank, and then realizes this question is the key to the card.
Ed’s wondering over Marv further emphasizes that in order for an individual to help another person, they must seek a greater understanding of what motivates that person. Meanwhile, Ed’s need to help Marv shows that even if one has achieved traditional success, like Marv has by acquiring a large amount of money, that person might still require help to achieve greater meaning in their lives.
Themes
Ed considers how he will discover what exactly Marv needs. He considers arguing with Marv, but he knows this may cause Marv to storm off. He could get Marv drunk, but they both may become incoherent that way. Lastly, he could ask Marv transparently what he wants, but he knows honesty will likely cause Marv to refuse him. Ed is still thinking when a homeless man approaches him at the grocery store. The man asks Ed for spare change, and Ed realizes the best strategy is to ask Marv for money. He gives the homeless man five dollars and hurries home.
Ed’s careful contemplation here again highlights how hard it can be to help the very people to whom one is closest. Additionally, the idea Ed gets from the homeless man shows that inspiration to help others can come from unlikely sources.
Themes
