"What I did was take the Jesus of the Gospels, the Son of God, the Son of the Virgin Mary, and sought to make Him utterly believable, a vital breathing character"
About this Quote
Anne Rice, a popular author best understood for her gothic fiction, speaks with her imaginative method in reimagining the figure of Jesus Christ in her works when she specifies, "What I did was take the Jesus of the Gospels, the Boy of God, the Child of the Virgin Mary, and looked for to make Him absolutely believable, a crucial breathing character". Rice's declaration reflects her intent to bridge the historic and theological figure of Jesus with a more individual, humanized representation that resonates with contemporary readers.
Rice's expression "the Jesus of the Gospels" acknowledges that her source product is the canonical texts that explain Jesus' life and teachings. The Gospels provide a complex image of Jesus: a magnificent figure endowed with miraculous powers, an ethical teacher, and a specific deeply cared for by his followers. However, these standard representations often lack the intimate psychological depth discovered in modern-day character-driven fiction.
By describing her goal as making Jesus "utterly believable" and a "essential breathing character", Rice highlights her goal to instill Jesus with a sense of realism that aligns with contemporary storytelling perceptiveness. This includes exploring his internal disputes, personal development, and relatable human experiences. Such an approach can help with a deeper connection between Jesus and the reader, encouraging not just a doctrinal understanding however also a psychological and mental engagement with his character.
Furthermore, by rendering Jesus as a "essential breathing character", Rice emphasizes the importance of vigor and immediacy in storytelling. Her desire is to make Jesus come alive in a concrete way, permitting readers to experience his journey dynamically and viscerally. This may involve exploring his relationships with household and followers, his battles with identity and function, and his moments of doubt and knowledge.
Eventually, Rice's interpretation is an effort to make the story of Jesus available and interesting for a contemporary audience. By drawing from the abundant tapestry of gospel stories and infusing them with emotional depth, Rice creates a nuanced portrayal welcoming readers to experience Jesus as both a divine figure and a profoundly relatable human being.