Grace as a concept has always astounded me. When mercy is given without any good reason, it boggles the mind. I think it's even more powerful than forgiveness, which isn't really earned either but many times is expected. But, grace is given without earning it. Grace is more than simple kindness, it is mercy extended because the giver wants to do it and not because of saying "I'm sorry." Grace is a golden present.
Many stories have redemption as a core part of the plot. We like seeing characters redeem themselves, especially when it is a huge swing from bad to good. Such stories usually take advantage of our desire to forgive and see people humble themselves and repent. Lots of superhero stories are like that. But, what happens when a character is given mercy they don't deserve? Like a priest forgiving the murderer who just shot him in cold blood?
In my opinion, stories that utilize grace as a central plot are very difficult to handle. I think we are hard-wired to reject mercy, because we haven't earned it and we desperately want to earn any forgiveness we get. Audiences also are like that, wanting to know why and how. Grace isn't a reward, it's a gift, and so is tough to explain. But, when it's used well it's magnificent. One triumphant example is from Les Miserables (where a convict is given grace by a priest, and the entire story changes immediately).
Grace is powerful, unearned, and yet so welcome when accepted. It can rock the world.
- M
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