The Great Answer

The Great Answer : Fulton Oursler, USA (1893 - 1952)

Summary

Fulton Ourseler's "The Great Answer" is a persuading short story. This story serves as a reminder that although life is full with difficulties and issues, we can overcome them if we have the bravery, self-assurance, and socially acceptable optimistic outlook. These things are crucial in our lives because they give our job and our lives purpose.

A little town close to the Spanish border serves as the setting for the story. Many individuals (refugees, men, and women) are housed in the village's boarding house as they flee the German police and Nazi soldiers. They run the risk of being detained by Gestapo police and interned in concentration camps. They would be brutally executed if the Nazi police discovered them. They attempt to enter Spain, but security personnel prevent them from doing so. They therefore have little chance of surviving and feel like they are dying.

However, a man who claims to be an underworld volunteer shows up at the boarding school one night. He continues by saying that God sent him to save them. He expresses to them his desire to lead them to Spain, despite the difficulties of the pitch-black night. But he has faith that God will provide assistance in this trying circumstance. The speech of the stranger gives the refugees a sense of relief. They believe that their only option is to ask for his assistance. However, those individuals range in age, including a mother and her four-year-old child, three-year-olds, and some who are younger. Anyhow, they all adhere to the rules. In the dim light of the moon, they ascend the challenging mountain.

The eldest man loses courage throughout the voyage and declares that it would be preferable to die than to endure such hardships. However, the leader (guide) urges him to do so so that they might assist one another in solving their problems. The elderly are then motivated to walk quickly while carrying their young daughter on their shoulders. They finally succeed in crossing the border and entering a safe country. All people (refugees, old men, and young men), when they cross the boundary line and arrive at a quiet place, sense new life. They are prodded to enter a liberated new world. This is actually a fantastic solution to the thoughtful path of human life.

Application of Four Levels

• Literal Comprehension
  • In order to protect their lives from Nazi police, a number of refugees move into a boarding house near the border between France and Spain (German). However, they are troubled and afraid that they would be burned alive if Nazi police encountered them. They repeatedly ask Spanish security guards to let them enter the nation so they can escape death. Security officers reject their request, though. They eventually lose all hope of leading a normal life. One night, all of a sudden, a stranger walks up to them and requests their assistance, telling them that he has been sent by God to save their lives. They choose to follow him since they don't have any other options. In the moonlight of the night, they ascend a mountain. There are senior people and young children there. On the trek, a very old guy with a worn-out appearance and a sorrowful countenance told the guide that he would rather die than go through such difficulties. But the guide encourages him, and they all unite, carry the child one at a time, support one another, and eventually cross the border to save their lives. They sense the world of freedom as they enter a tranquil setting and begin their new existence.
• Interpretation
  • This tale demonstrates why conflict is never beneficial. It causes human suffering and destruction. Similar to this, it shows that life has a lot more difficulties, problems, and riddles, but if we have bravery, confidence, and a cooperative attitude, we can easily overcome those issues so that life has purpose and a goal. So, instead of being terrified of problems, we should act bravely and as a team. The idea that those who help others are also aided by God is another thing this narrative teaches us. For instance, the elderly men who were destined to die were aided by God to traverse the mountain while they cared for the destitute woman and kid.
• Critical Thinking
  • The profound solution to life's mysteries is revealed in this tale. There are various problems or puzzles at every stage of our lives. We can overcome them by using strength, tenacity, and courage. This narrative also serves as a reminder that when we help others, God is helped by them in return. However, some of the themes in the story are debatable. How are elderly folks supposed to carry a toddler over a mountain at night? Is it true that God sent a guide to save their lives? Why are humans killing one another if there is a God?
• Assimilation
  • In my life, this tale has many morals that I can use. After reading this narrative, I've come to the realization that although life is full with challenges, those challenges can be overcome with grit and bravery. These puzzles give life its purpose. Similar to that, this story has taught me to assist the poor and defenseless so that I may win their respect and admiration and that of god. I have faith that the basis of a great life will always be courage, humanity, and effort.

Reference

(Subedi, K.P. and Bhandari, M.B. (2014). Business English. Kathmandu: Highland Publication P. Ltd.)