Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Power and the Glory, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Complexity of Religious Figures
Ideology and Reactionary Ideas
The Nature of Sin
Government vs. Religion
Duty, Sacrifice, and Persecution
Summary
Analysis
During their journey, the whisky priest and the mestizo argue about the mestizo’s true intentions. The priest is sure the mestizo is planning to betray him, while the mestizo continues to protest his innocence. Although the priest detests the mestizo, he also cannot help but feel bad for him because he believes the mestizo is committing a mortal sin and will end up burning in hell. Eventually, they arrive at a small group of huts where the mestizo claims the “gringo” criminal is waiting for them.
The whisky priest quickly realizes that the mestizo is utterly shameless. They both know the priest is walking into a trap, yet still the mestizo keeps up his charade. Despite the mestizo’s behavior, the whisky priest still finds it within himself to feel bad for the man. It is a sort of radical empathy that only exists because of his religious beliefs.
Themes
The whisky priest enters the hut and is surprised to find that the “gringo” criminal is, indeed, lying there wounded. Contrary to the priest’s expectations, the man does not look like he did on the wanted posters he has seen littered throughout the area. Rather, he looks like a normal person, pathetic even. The priest asks the “gringo” criminal to confess his sins, but the man only tells him to go away. However, the priest persists, instructing the man to confess while he still has the chance.
The sight of the criminal (Calver) recalls the difference between the whisky priest and the martyr Juan. That is, the narrative that has been built up around him differs significantly from reality. Unfortunately, as the whisky priest suspects, the mestizo only told a half-truth. Calver has no desire to see the whisky priest, meaning the priest has potentially sacrificed his life on principle alone.
Themes
The “gringo” criminal tells the whisky priest he thinks his life is far past saving. He warns the whisky priest that the authorities will soon arrive and condemn both of them. He also attempts to give the priest his gun, which the priest refuses to take. Determined to prevail, the whisky priest repeatedly begs the “gringo” criminal to confess his sins. However, each time, the criminal refuses. Before long, the criminal bleeds out without confessing.
In his final moments, Calver does not care about religious redemption. Rather, he can only think about encouraging others to keep up his streak of violence. The whisky priest’s rejection of Calver’s gun demonstrates the fundamental difference in their respective worldviews. Unlike Calver, the priest is content with his fate because he feels he has done the right thing.
Themes
