Crispin: The Cross of Lead (Theme)

This book has turned out to be a fascinating read. I have always been fond of adventure books, and this is now high on the list of my favorites. The fast-paced plot and well developed characters give the book a sense of realism and entice you to read more. The themes of this story are about friendship, courage and perserverance. Friendship comes into play very early in the book, where Crispin consults his priest, Father Quinnel, for advice on what to do after he finds out that his life in danger. Later on, after Crispin runs away from his village, he befriends (although unwillingly) Bear, who returns his friendship by protecting and entertaining Crispin. Because of this treatment, Crispin begins to see Bear as his father. Second, courage is something that Crispin learns about in many parts of the story. Firstly, he flees from the only place he ever knew and into the unknown without much fear. Another major occurence of Crispin's courage is when Crispin goes to the building where Bear was being held in order to save him, even when there was a possibility of losing his own life. Finally, perserverance is a major theme of the book. Crispin decides to keep going instead of dying early on in the book, as he wants to earn his liberties as Father Quinnel instructed him. Later, when he joins Bear, Crispin feels like abandoning Bear, for he believes that Bear was a madman. However Crispin feels he was bound by the sacred vow he made and keeps on trooping. After warming up to him, Crispin always tries his hardest in order to save Bear after he gets captured. He knows the risks, and has a few difficulties along the way, but Crispin never gives up.