Snow Goose

Since I really have nothing to say about my life right now (except that I'm already exhausted and wish it was Friday), I thought I'd post one of my recent school papers. This one's about the little story The Snow Goose which I recently read. To warn you it does have a few plot spoilers (don't want to get sued or anything) so if you plan on reading the story you might want to stop reading. If not, then read away. ;)

Critique on The Snow Goose

The book The Snow Goose tells the story of Philip Rhayader, a despised, ugly humpback who lives alone in a huge lighthouse surrounded by his beloved birds. Philip spends his days in the 1930's painting the lonely British channel marsh around him, until a young girl named Fritha comes to him requesting his help to heal an injured snow goose. Though horribly afraid of Philip, Fritha comes to the lighthouse anyway to visit the snow goose. She soon develops a friendship with Rhayader. As the years pass, Fritha soon realizes her love for this despised man, and she begins to look past his outward appearance into his spirit.

In my opinion, this book emphasizes the themes of love, sacrifice, and beauty. Philip shows great love to Fritha and all the birds that he takes care of, including the snow goose. Philip tries to be kind and welcoming to Fritha, even when she wants to have nothing to do with him. He shows her the wonderful companionship of a true friend whenever she visits, and she soon discovers who Philip truly is. Fritha realizes how one’s spirit and not one’s appearance make one truly beautiful. Philip’s love toward her allows her to finally see this. After Philip sacrifices his life rescuing British troops trapped at Dunkirk, Fritha realizes Philip’s inner beauty and how much she loves him. Even the Snow Goose returns Philip’s love towards it by traveling with him when he ferries the soldiers back and forth, refusing to leave his side. The author’s message shines clear: Love and inner beauty can triumph over anything.

The powerful messages and characters in this book can touch anyone. Nearly everyone at one time has felt ugly and unimportant like Philip. Philip’s predicament as a humpback and his triumph over it provides a moving, challenging story. The loyalty of Fritha and the Snow Goose truly challenged me to look at someone’s heart over their appearance as God challenges us to do. I Samuel 16:7b says, "...Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."This story reminds everyone of the importance of seeking inner beauty over outer beauty.