Religion is a major player in Marked by Fire. Whether Abby's bringing down the house when she sings in church or losing her faith in the big guy in the sky after a church deacon rapes her, faith takes center stage more than once. It isn't all about Christianity, though; folk traditions course through these pages, too, thanks primarily to Mother Barker. In an unusual twist, formal religion and folk traditions aren't at odds in this book, instead intertwining. Each has a time and a place in the lives of the people of Ponca City, and they almost work like a tag team. So, uh, go team.
Questions About Religion
- How does Abyssinia's relationship with God change over the course of the novel? After her crisis of faith, is it ever the same again? Why or why not?
- Which is more powerful, folk tradition or formal religion? Give evidence from the text to prove your answer.
- How do folk tradition and Christianity coexist in this book? Do they ever come into conflict? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Ultimately, Abby is more committed to folk tradition than she is to Christianity.
After Abby's raped by a deacon at her church, only folk tradition can save her.