Wise Blood

The next day, Motes drives his Essex around the countryside to test how it runs. He discovers Hawks’ daughter in the car and she reveals that she has been hiding there since yesterday. She tells Motes that her name is Sabbath. Motes is irritated at first, but, remembering his plan to seduce her, he tolerates her presence. They drive to a nearby field, and Motes asks Sabbath questions about Asa’s religious beliefs.

Sabbath tells Motes that she can save him through Jesus, but Motes tells her, “I believe in a new kind of jesus … he’s all man and ain’t got any God in him. My church is the Church Without Christ” (118). When Sabbath begins flirting with Motes he retreats to his car, only to find that it will not start. He hikes to a nearby gas station where an older one-armed gentleman agrees to give some gas and a lift back to his car. On the way, Motes preaches the ideals of his new church, but the stranger remains silent.

When they arrive back at the car, Motes fills the tank with gas but the car still won’t start. Motes has the man push

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