The Will of God

This concept is woven through the book. Although Maria does not state it directly, it is linked to fate and accepting fate without reproach. One wonders if the use of the phrase is more Maria's than whom she often ascribes it to. Right from the start of the book, Mother Abess deems it is the Will of God for Maria to leave the convent and go to work for the von Trapp family. The phrase "Will of God" usually comes from those wearing clergical clothing. It can be understood more as a presumption than exact knowledge of what God's Will may actually be. Later, the Mother Abess again credits the Will of God to infer that Maria should marry the Captain as being the best course for her life. The idea of the Will of God somewhat contradicts the concept of "free will" taught to...