Temple of the Holy Ghost

There is a lot of good imagery and quotes throughout this story that apply to our faith and beliefs today. 

The child, little girl, throughout the story seems prideful and almost insecure in away around the other girls.  The perspective she gives makes her sound like she is trying to be older than she is so of course she would be “better” than Joanne and Suzie.  The reason she views them as stupid is because they are into boys and it seems nothing else but it might be good to remember that the child was too young to understand the emotions that she could feel or want.  In a way I think she wanted to be accepted by the girls but her pride acted as a facade to hide her insecurity.  This plays into the forgiveness that she experiences at the end of the story where she gives up all these malice thoughts towards the girl’s. 

The hermaphrodite was an interesting twist almost to the story.  It fits but it is the last thing you’re expecting to come out of the text.  I feel that the way we view such a person would be as crude and disturbing and that’s why such a figure appeared at the fair, because he knew that it would draw attention.  The word’s he says though are challenging the people not to laugh or freak out because he to is a “Temple of the Holy Spirit.” Again we see the theme of misjudging people for what’s on the outside.  Is it safe to say that God didn’t intend us to be in such an awkward state, sure, but what the hermaphrodite represents is the intention and plan God has for us nonetheless. 

The whole of the story overall is the spiritual journey of the child.  Though it seems her family is religious and spiritual those words from the man, though considered a “freak show” are what showed her a sense of true salvation and repentance.