“Age of Faith” by Alice Munro: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

“Age of Faith” by Alice Munro, the Canadian author, was originally published in her 1971 collection, “Lives of Girls and Women.” Set in rural Ontario, Canada, the story explores themes of faith, disillusionment, and the complexities of family relationships. Munro’s insightful portrayal of a young woman’s spiritual quest demonstrates her skill in crafting complex and moving narratives. As a Nobel Prize in Literature laureate (2013) and a master of the short story form, Munro’s work is highly celebrated, and “Age of Faith” stands as a powerful example of her artistry.

Main Events in “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

1. Introduction: The narrator (Del) describes her early skepticism about organized religion, noting how churches were viewed as social gatherings.
2. Seeking Answers: Driven by a yearning for God, Del begins attending the United Church and witnesses her mother’s open skepticism.
3. The Anglican Church: Drawn by the sound of the bell, Del tries the Anglican church and is captivated by the ritual and theatricality of their service.
4. Old Mrs. Sherriff: Del learns about the tragedies in the life of old Mrs. Sherriff, a devout churchgoer. This further heightens Del’s interest in the power of religion in the face of suffering.
5. A Prayer Experiment: Del tests her belief by praying to avoid sewing in Household Science class.
6. A Miracle or Coincidence? To her amazement, the teacher removes her from sewing and gives her sweeping duty, seemingly answering her prayer, yet leaving her uncertain.
7. Finding a Confidant: Del attempts to discuss her spiritual experience with her younger brother Owen, but finds him unimpressed and unreceptive.
8. Seeking Validation: Frustrated, Del continues to push her spiritual questions on Owen, needing someone to acknowledge her path.
9. Inner Exploration: Del reads from the Book of Common Prayer and tries to connect with God directly.
10. Confrontation on Good Friday: Del declares her intention to attend the Anglican church, inciting a philosophical debate with her atheist mother about the nature of God.
11. Mother’s Challenge: Her mother argues that God is a creation of humans and their bloodthirsty past.
12. Del’s Resolve: Despite her mother’s arguments, Del remains firm in her spiritual quest.
13. Seeking Proof: Walking to church, Del observes the closed stores as a sign that people acknowledge the holiness of Good Friday.
14. Faith vs. Reason: Del admits she cares less about Christ’s sacrifice and more about experiencing God directly.
15. Journey Continues: The story ends with Del on her way to church, seeking spiritual connection and validation for her growing faith.

Literary Devices in “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

Literary Device	Definition	Example from “Age of Faith”
Metaphor	An implied comparison between two unlike things.	“If I could not quite get a scent of God then at least I could get the scent of His old times of power…”
Simile	A comparison using “like” or “as.”	“…like a stage crown.”
Imagery	Vivid language that appeals to the senses.	“I was used to seeing him limp and shepherdly in Sunday school pastels.”
Symbolism	An object, person, or event representing something deeper.	The church bell symbolizes a call to faith and the allure of religion.
Foreshadowing	Hints about future events in the story.	“My mind would be on burglars…. I missed them, I missed the thought of them, for quite a while.” Foreshadows Del’s eventual loss of her simple childhood belief.
Epiphany	A sudden moment of clarity or realization.	Del’s realization in Household Science class that a simple prayer might be answered.
Internal Conflict	Psychological struggle within a character.	Del’s struggle between the rationality of her mother and her own longing for faith.
Irony	A contradiction between expectation and reality.	Del seeking God’s existence in the very churches her mother finds artificial.
Motif	A recurring theme, image, or idea.	The motif of vulnerability—seen in old Mrs. Sherriff, the desire for safety from burglars, and Del’s spiritual seeking.
Juxtaposition	Placing contrasting ideas side-by-side for emphasis.	The United Church’s modern practicality is juxtaposed with the antiquated feel of the Anglican church.
Allusion	Reference to a known work, idea, or historical event.	Comparisons of the Anglican service to that of “Jesu” and Crusader figures are biblical allusions.
Diction	Word choice to create tone.	Munro uses formal diction (“manifold sins and wickedness”) when describing Church services, contrasting with Del’s conversational inner voice.
Point of View	First-person perspective. The story is told directly from Del’s viewpoint.	“I saw them black and white, with melancholy dedicated faces…” Shows her subjective view of the burglars.
Tone	Author’s attitude towards the subject.	Munro’s tone is often wry and observant, even when dealing with weighty themes of faith.
Hyperbole	Intentional exaggeration for emphasis.	“…all those atoms, galaxies of atoms…” expresses Del’s youthful sense of overwhelmed wonder.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things.	Del describes the minister’s voice as “harmonizing” with the church service.
Anaphora	Repeated words or phrases at the start of sentences/clauses.	“Christ, have mercy upon us.” is repeated, emphasizing the rhythmic nature of the liturgical service.
Theme	Central ideas explored in the story.	Major themes include: faith vs. skepticism, the search for meaning, the power of ritual, the complexities of family.
Characterization	How characters are developed and revealed.	Less through direct description, Munro uses dialogue and actions to show us the characters’ personalities.
Setting	Time and place of the story.	1950s/60s rural Ontario, Canada. The town’s social and religious atmosphere is as important as the physical setting.

Characterization in “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

Del (The Protagonist)

• Skeptical Yet Yearning: She questions organized religion but feels an innate draw towards something spiritual.
• Drawn to Ritual: She finds solace and connection in the Anglican church’s rituals, contrasting with her usual church experience.
• Naive Believer: Her simple prayer experiment and its aftermath reveal a childlike faith open to both disappointment and wonder.
• Conflicted: She struggles between her mother’s rational skepticism and her own yearning for spiritual experience.
• Seeker: She prioritizes a direct connection with God over theological debates or doctrinal adherence.

Del’s Mother

• Outspoken Atheist: She openly challenges religious beliefs and finds them illogical.
• Rational and Humanistic: She emphasizes human responsibility and questions reliance on divine intervention.
• Passionate: Her arguments against religion are driven by deep convictions, not simple indifference.
• Protective: While undermining Del’s faith, she may be shielding her daughter from perceived disappointment.

Minor Characters

• Old Mrs. Sherriff: A symbol of faith in the face of tragedy, her devotion sparks Del’s curiosity about religion’s power.
• Mrs. Forbes: Represents the practical world Del struggles with, highlighting her spiritual disconnect from everyday tasks.
• Owen: Del’s younger brother, his lack of interest in faith becomes a source of frustration as she needs validation for her own beliefs.

Important Notes on Munro’s Technique

• Indirect Characterization: Munro reveals characters primarily through dialogue, actions, and Del’s observations rather than direct descriptions.
• Nuance: Characters are complex and have contradictions; Del’s mother is both protective and intellectually challenging.
• Unseen Influences: The absent figures of Del’s father and her friend Naomi shape our understanding of Del and her environment.

Major Themes in “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

Theme 1: Faith vs. Skepticism

• Del’s Internal Conflict: Throughout the story, Del grapples with her yearning for spiritual certainty and the skepticism she inherits from her environment, especially her mother. Her early obsession with burglars symbolizes a desire for order and a belief in unseen forces, while her mother’s open atheism and questioning nature challenges that belief.
• Lingering Doubt: Even when Del finds comfort in the rituals of the Anglican church or experiences a seemingly answered prayer, moments of doubt persist. This suggests the tenacity of a rational mind even when tempted by the allure of faith.

Theme 2: The Search for Meaning

• Existential Questions: Del craves understanding and purpose in a world that sometimes seems overwhelming and chaotic. This is exemplified by her thoughts: “how could people rest… until they were sure of this?” She looks to religion for answers about the universe and an assurance that things are not random and meaningless.
• Yearning for Connection: Del’s attraction to the Anglican church isn’t solely about belief in God. The rituals and sense of ancientness offer a connection to something larger than herself, a sense of belonging within a greater narrative.

Theme 3: The Power of Ritual

• The Theatricality of Faith: In contrast to the plainness of her usual church, Del is drawn to the theatrics of the Anglican service. The formality of the liturgy, the kneeling and reciting, the archaic language – all of these create a sense of awe and reverence she desires.
• Comfort in the Familiar: Rituals provide a sense of order and connect Del to something that feels timeless and beyond the ordinary. This suggests the enduring human need for routines and traditions that mark significant moments and create a sense of the sacred.

Theme 4: The Complexity of Family Relationships

• Differing Worldviews: Del’s spiritual exploration creates tension with her fiercely atheistic mother. Their opposing viewpoints about the nature of existence strain their relationship.
• Underlying Concern: While the mother openly challenges Del’s faith, there’s a subtle hint that she also fears the path of intense religiosity, potentially seeing echoes of old Mrs. Sherriff’s tragic life. This unspoken worry adds another layer to their complex dynamic.
• The Influence of Family: The story shows how even within loving relationships, family members with opposing worldviews can deeply impact one another’s perceptions and choices.

Writing Style in “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

First-Person Narration:

• Del’s subjective voice: The story is told entirely from Del’s perspective, giving us access to her youthful, questioning mind. (“I saw them black and white, with melancholy dedicated faces…”)
• Limited Perspective: This creates immediacy but also highlights Del’s incomplete understanding of others and the world.

Descriptive Detail & Sensory Imagery:

• Vivid Descriptions: Munro uses specific details to create a sense of place and atmosphere. (“…a bare and wooden, white mission cross, stood on a hill…”)
• Appeals to the Senses: Smells, sounds, and sights make the narrative world feel tangible and lived-in.

Informal Diction & Conversational Tone:

• Reflects Del’s Age: Her language is often casual and colloquial, mirroring the voice of a young girl. (“…they were a small but unintimidated tribe, mostly Irish, who did not stay in the classroom for Religious Education…”)
• Internal Monologue: Del’s thoughts flow naturally, revealing her inner conflicts and questions.

Subtle Irony & Humor:

• Gentle Satire: Pokes light fun at aspects of organized religion, especially the social nature of some churches.
• Understated Tone: Munro’s humor is often dry and understated, revealing insights about the characters and situations without being overtly mocking.

Complex Characterization:

• Indirect Revelations: Munro rarely describes characters directly, but their personalities emerge through dialogue and actions. (Her mother’s arguments against religion reveal her passion and intellect.)
• Nuance and Ambiguity: Characters, especially Del’s mother, contain contradictions, making them feel more lifelike and complex.

Symbolism:

• Meaningful Objects: The church bell, the Anglican prayer book – these gain symbolic significance beyond their literal function.
• Unspoken Implications: Munro suggests deeper meaning through objects and events, leaving the reader to make connections.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

Literary Theory	Focus for Analysis in “Age of Faith”
Feminist Criticism	* The role of women in the story, particularly Del and her mother, within their social context. * Examine power dynamics within family relationships and in religious institutions. * How does Del navigate pressures to conform to gender expectations?
Psychoanalytic Criticism	* Explore unconscious desires and motivations driving Del’s spiritual quest. * Analyze symbolic elements (burglars, churches) as potential manifestations of inner conflicts. * Consider the influence of family relationships on Del’s psychological development.
Reader-Response Criticism	* Analyze how your own experiences and beliefs shape your understanding of the story. * Examine moments where the story creates ambiguity, leaving room for multiple interpretations. * Reflect on how the story evokes particular emotions or shifts your perspectives.
Postcolonial Criticism	* Consider the influence of Canadian history and culture on the story’s portrayal of religion and community. * Examine how religious institutions might uphold or reflect power imbalances within society. * Analyze language and subtle references for implicit biases or worldviews shaped by colonialism.
Formalist Criticism	* Analyze Munro’s use of literary devices like symbolism, imagery, and narrative structure. * How do these devices shape meaning and contribute to the story’s themes? * Examine the stylistic choices and their effect on the reader’s experience.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

Topic: Faith and Doubt

• Exploration Question: How does Munro portray the tension between faith and doubt in a young person’s spiritual journey?
• Thesis Statement: Alice Munro’s “Age of Faith” explores the complexities of faith, presenting Del’s earnest desire for belief alongside the persistent doubts fueled by her rational upbringing.

Topic: Family Dynamics and Belief Systems

• Exploration Question How does the relationship between Del and her mother shape Del’s exploration of religion and spirituality?
• Thesis Statement: In “Age of Faith,” Alice Munro explores how familial differences in worldview ignite both conflict and a nuanced process of self-discovery for the protagonist.

Topic: The Power and Limits of Ritual

• Exploration Question: How does Munro utilize the contrasting experiences of the United and Anglican churches to explore the role of ritual in faith?
• Thesis Statement: Alice Munro’s “Age of Faith” subtly critiques the emptiness of religious ritual without true belief, while acknowledging its power to provide comfort and a sense of belonging.

Topic: Symbolism in Storytelling

• Exploration Question: How does Munro employ symbolism to create deeper meaning and understanding within the story?
• Thesis Statement: Through symbolic elements like the church bell, the old prayer book, and even the figure of old Mrs. Sherriff, Alice Munro adds layers of complexity and emotional resonance to Del’s exploration of faith.

Topic: Munro’s Narrative Style

• Exploration Question: How does Munro’s use of first-person narration and informal language shape the reader’s understanding of Del’s character and experiences?
• Thesis Statement: Alice Munro’s choice of first-person perspective and conversational tone in “Age of Faith” creates an intimate connection with the reader, revealing the nuanced thoughts and struggles of a young girl navigating a complex world.

Short Questions and Answers about “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

• Q1. What is the main conflict in “Age of Faith”?
• The main conflict in “Age of Faith” is the internal struggle that the protagonist, Rae, faces as she tries to reconcile her Christian faith with her romantic feelings for Garth, a non-religious man. Rae is torn between her desire to follow her heart and her loyalty to the Age of Faith group, which holds strict beliefs about the role of women and the importance of maintaining religious purity. This conflict is heightened by the fact that Rae is a young woman who is just beginning to explore her own identity and beliefs, and is therefore especially vulnerable to the influence of those around her.
• Q2. How does Munro use setting to explore the theme of faith in the story?
• Munro uses the setting of a university campus in Ontario during the 1950s to explore the theme of faith in “Age of Faith.” The campus is portrayed as a place of intellectual curiosity and spiritual exploration, where students are encouraged to question their beliefs and explore new ideas. However, the setting also serves as a backdrop for the narrow-mindedness and dogmatism of the Age of Faith group, which is shown to be out of step with the broader cultural and intellectual trends of the time. Munro uses the juxtaposition of these two competing worldviews to underscore the complexity and ambiguity of faith, and to suggest that there are no easy answers or straightforward paths to spiritual fulfillment.
• Q3. What is the significance of Rae’s relationship with Garth in the story?
• Rae’s relationship with Garth is significant because it represents a challenge to her previously-held beliefs and values. Garth is a non-religious man who challenges Rae’s assumptions about what it means to be a good Christian and a good woman. He encourages her to think for herself and to question the dogma of the Age of Faith group, which puts her in conflict with her peers and mentors. This conflict ultimately leads Rae to a crisis of faith, as she must decide whether to continue to follow the narrow path set out by the Age of Faith group or to strike out on her own and explore new possibilities for her life and her spirituality.
• Q4. What does the story suggest about the nature of faith?
• The story suggests that faith is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that cannot be reduced to a set of rigid beliefs or rules. Munro portrays faith as something that is constantly evolving and changing, shaped by our experiences and interactions with the world around us. The Age of Faith group represents a narrow and dogmatic view of faith, one that emphasizes rules and conformity over individual exploration and growth. By contrast, Rae’s struggle to reconcile her faith with her own desires and beliefs represents a more nuanced and open-minded approach to spirituality, one that recognizes the importance of questioning, doubting, and ultimately finding one’s own path. The story suggests that true faith is not a destination, but a journey, one that requires courage, curiosity, and an openness to new possibilities.

Literary Works Similar to “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

• Gilead by Marilynne Robinson: This novel explores themes of faith, doubt, and family through a pastor’s written reflections, mirroring Munro’s nuanced treatment of these themes.
• The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy: Roy’s novel delves into childhood experiences of religion, family, and tradition, echoing “Age of Faith” with its portrayal of a young person’s perspective on faith and the influence of religious beliefs on family dynamics.
• Wise Blood by Flannery O’Connor: This novel’s protagonist embodies a contrasting, yet thematically linked exploration of extreme spiritual yearning. O’Connor’s work investigates the complexities of faith and the search for meaning, often with dark, satirical undertones.
• Short Stories by Anton Chekhov: Chekhov’s psychologically complex stories feature characters facing inner anxieties and a search for purpose. Stories like “The Bishop” center on religious figures, mirroring Munro’s focus on faith and questions of meaning.
• Further Works by Alice Munro: Munro’s other short story collections, such as “Friend of My Youth,” “Lives of Girls and Women,” and “The Progress of Love,” expand on the themes of “Age of Faith.” These frequently feature young women navigating social pressures, family, and the search for identity – central to Del’s experience.

Suggested Readings: “Age of Faith” by Alice Munro

Books

• Carrington, Ildikó de Papp. Controlling the Uncontrollable: The Fiction of Alice Munro
• DeKalb: Northern Illinois University Press, 1989.
• Howells, Coral Ann. Alice Munro. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1998.
• Struthers, J. R. (Tim). The Fiction of Alice Munro: An Appreciation. Kentville, NS: Gaspereau Press, 2005.
• Thacker, Robert. Alice Munro: Writing Her Lives. Toronto: Simon & Schuster, 2011.

Articles

• Besner, Neil K. “The Stories of Alice Munro.” The Canadian Forum, vol. 61, no. 712, Sept. 1982, pp. 25–28.
• Hoy, Helen. “‘Dull, Simple, Amazing and Unfathomable’: Paradox and Double Vision in Alice Munro’s Fiction.” Studies in Canadian Literature/Études en littérature canadienne, vol. 5, no.1, 1980.
• Redekop, Magdalene. Mothers and Other Clowns: The Stories of Alice Munro. London: Routledge, 1992.

Websites

• The Canadian Encyclopedia: Alice Munro Entry: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/alice-munro
• The New Yorker: Articles on Alice Munro: https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/alice-munro