What If G-d Was One Of Us?

G-d On Screen

      As identified in John Leonard’s 1982 New York Times Review of The Mosquito Coast, this novel brings up a whole new element of travel that we have yet to discuss, that of religion. As we follow the Fox family from New England to Central America, we are introduced to missionaries, believers, non-believers, and then of course, Allie, a category all to himself. Although it appears that Allie is trying to evade religion, much of the motive for his travel seems to stem from his desire for it; his desire to be G-d. As it is described in the review, “WANTING to be God makes you crazy. In Paul Theroux's astonishing new novel, Allie Fox - 'the last American' - tries to invent his own godhood. He will straighten rivers, make ice out of fire and turn volcanos into hibachis. The original God, that 'dead boy with the spinning top,' did not, after all, 'finish the job.' “

     Though each religion has it’s unique characteristics, they all have one thing in common; the believer acknowledges the existence of a higher being. This forces one to always be cautious and pay close attention to their actions, for they are always serving someone of a higher rank. In the examination of why one travels, it is very common, and often rewarding, for religion to act as a “center.” Theoretically, this would allow for one traveling to explore the world without getting lost, because he has faith to keep him grounded. This becomes problematic though when that higher being is oneself, as is evidenced in Allie’s experience.

From the very beginning, we see Allie trying to act as a god, as he deems himself a “creator,” makes ice out of fire, and takes control of a land, just as is depicted in the Bible. Like a religion, Allie finds followers along the way, taking his children and the “savages” under his wing, in hopes to shape their worlds. However, the problem with his mission is that he fails to believe in himself. Though Allie considers himself a god, Charlie makes is clear to us that his father is never content with himself, but instead has to depend on the approval and following of his disciples to know that he has succeeded. Even in the Bible, in the story of creation, G-d comments that his work is good. Though he may act as a center for others, including his family in the beginning, he gets so caught up in his own image, and converting others to his way of life, that he is unable to find anything for himself to believe in. Though he criticizes the Spellgoods and other missionaries he encounters, he is simply mimicking their work, but not doing quite as well a job. Although the novel may seem to be a critique of religion on the surface, Allie’s actions and ultimate failure seem to teach us just the opposite; the only way to succeed, and travel in foreign places, is to have faith. In someone other than oneself.