The primary conflict in Elizabeth George Speare's novel The Bronze Bowis the internal conflict Daniel experiences with himself. He has become so consumed by hatred of the Romans and his desire for revenge that he cannot lead a normal life. Even an insignificant encounter with a Roman soldier can ruin his mood for days, and his exaggerated reaction to a soldier results in a serious wound that could have been fatal. His outburst at...
The primary conflict in Elizabeth George Speare's novel The Bronze Bow is the internal conflict Daniel experiences with himself. He has become so consumed by hatred of the Romans and his desire for revenge that he cannot lead a normal life. Even an insignificant encounter with a Roman soldier can ruin his mood for days, and his exaggerated reaction to a soldier results in a serious wound that could have been fatal. His outburst at Leah when he learns she has taken a gift from a Roman soldier sends her plunging into mental and physical illness to the brink of death. And he throws away the chance he might have to marry Thacia because of his vow for vengeance.
Although Daniel thinks the Romans are to blame for the difficulties in his life, the fact is, his own hatred is what makes him miserable. Jesus is the one who shows him that love is the only thing stronger than hate; only love is strong enough to bend a bow of bronze. Daniel tells Jesus he will give him everything he has and will follow him, but Jesus asks him if he can give up his hate. Daniel thinks he cannot do that. But when Thacia calls Jesus to Daniel's home to heal Leah, Daniel experiences the love of Jesus toward himself, even after he has rejected Jesus, and he decides he wants to stop fighting and follow Jesus. He realizes that "to know Jesus would be enough," and "almost with the thought the terrible weight was gone." Daniel is able to give up his hate when he is touched by the love of Jesus and decides to follow him.
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