What Men Live By

“Hard up, he says he is! So he may be—but what about me? You have a house, and cattle, and everything; I’ve only what I stand up in! You have corn of your own growing; I have to buy every grain.”

Simon’s complaints as he walks home contextualize his specific feelings of frustration and anger in relation to his precarious financial situation. The desperation displayed in this quote not only showcases Simon’s situation but also sets up his emotional state for meeting Michael. Simon is stuck in a cycle of self-concern and fear, making his generosity all the more impressive.

“So the shoemaker hurried on, leaving the shrine behind him—when suddenly his conscience smote him, and he stopped in the road.”

The internal battle happening in Simon’s mind between pragmatism and generosity is exemplified by this quote. Despite wanting to avoid Michael altogether due to his personal concerns, his conscience wins out. The use of the usually religious word “smote” also implies the presence of a higher power in his actions or, at the very least, that the strength of kindness and charity are akin to that of God.

“And when he thought of his wife he felt sad; but when he looked at the stranger and remembered how he had looked up at him at the shrine, his heart was glad.”

Again, Simon struggles between the need to look out for himself and his family, but his desire to do good wins out. The contrast between “he felt sad” and “his heart was glad” emphasizes the recurring theme of how helping others is good for everyone involved. Simon was sad even before meeting Michael, but while he has seemingly increased his burdens, he feels much better due to spiritual satisfaction.