The Need to Believe

Anne is a prime example of the need to believe in religious ideals, including life after death. John notes that Anne's belief provides comfort for her in times of trouble and seems to wish that he had that comfort for himself, but never begins to believe in live after death. Anne talks with Kitty's husband Sheldon soon after Kitty's death and it's evident that Sheldon also holds to this belief. It's then that John realizes that this has created some distance between John and Anne that could never be breached. It's interesting that neither John nor Anne's children show any great tendency toward religious beliefs. This belief is obviously vital to Anne's peace of mind as her daughter, her husband and then her son die. Another example is seen in Christina Voohorees. Christina, however, doesn't find a calm comfort from her beliefs. Instead, she has...