Different Views of the Stained Glass

(O'Brien, 113-117)

Literary Term: Foil Characters

As they visit the monks, Kiowa and Henry Dobbins are revealed as foil characters concerning religion.

Kiowa: Throughout the entire book, he makes it clear that he has religion due to his Bible and comments such as "It's bad news, you don't mess with churches" (O'Brien,113). However, his faith is only skin-deep, for later her reveals that he is religious simply because he was raised that way. He only believes because it was how he grew up that way.

Dobbins: Although he is not pronounced as beginning to religion, he holds interest in belong to a church or being a minister. While Kiowa has never thought of being a minister, Dobbins has thought of it because he feels called to show respect and care towards others.

While both of these characters act positively towards religion, they have quite different attitudes towards it. Kiowa remains concerned in maintaining his tradition and finds comfort in the structure and traditions of the church while Dobbins grasps more towards more Christian-like teachings of respect and love. They hold different opinions of the purpose of the church and its ministries.