53 pages • 1 hour read
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
Polygamist communities are still widely considered taboo in the US, and the practice of polygamy remains federally illegal. Still, across the country, families practice various forms of polygamy. Ruth’s experiences of polygamy relate to Mormonism, a religion that formed in the 1820s after a man named Joseph Smith proclaimed to have found golden plates which instructed him on the practice of polygamy and Mormonism. Mormonism is based on Christianity but incorporates Joseph Smith as the “final prophet,” and the practice of polygamy was once at its center. Today, most Mormons reject the practice of polygamy, but it remains common in certain groups and families. Mormonism is a strict religion, but fundamentalist Mormonism commonly becomes dangerous as men acquire extreme power, often have dozens of wives, and usually lack the ability to properly support their large families. As a result, children are often neglected, left to fend for themselves, or otherwise expected to grow up quickly and take care of one another. In The Sound of Gravel, Kathy exemplifies how one’s loyalty to fundamentalist principles can lead to not only their own undoing but the undoing of those they love. Additionally, the fight for domination and power in polygamist colonies often leads to violence, as Wariner describes when Joel was murdered.
Plus, gain access to 8,550+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Challenging Authority
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Good & Evil
View Collection
Hispanic & Latinx American Literature
View Collection
Inspiring Biographies
View Collection
Loyalty & Betrayal
View Collection
Memory
View Collection
Mothers
View Collection
Order & Chaos
View Collection
Popular Book Club Picks
View Collection
Power
View Collection
Religion & Spirituality
View Collection