One interpretation of the story “The Lightning-Rod Man” is that Melville is criticizing certain Christian missionaries of the ti
me. Do you agree with this interpretation? If so, describe how you see this theme reflected in the story. If not, discuss a more prominent theme you see presented in the story. Cite evidence from the text to support your response.
Melville’s story is an allegory that conveys his criticism of Christian missionaries. Melville uses several biblical, scientific, mythological, and historical allusions to build his allegory. The lightning-rod man represents Christian missionaries, while the narrator represents Melville’s beliefs. According to him, missionaries are displacing and destroying the cultures they are attempting to convert rather than bringing them true spirituality. Although the narrator isn’t influenced by the lightning-rod man, he is saddened and worried to see his neighbors fall prey to the missionaries' trap. The narrator tries to dissuade his neighbors from believing in the lightning-rod man, who continues to thrive as he “trades with the fears of men.” Unlike many others of the time period, Melville believes in being God-loving, not God-fearing. :) Hope this helped.
