The Black Robe

A detailed Summary of The Black Robe

Bruce Beresford does a wonderful job in captivating the cultural differences between the Algonquin Indians and the French Jesuits in the 1991 motion picture "Black Robe." The movie is an extremely realistic representation of the clash between the two conflicting cultures and can be viewed for critical analysis; a trait not many motion pictures can boast. The movie takes place in the rugged 17th century in the beautiful Canadian wilderness, in which a Jesuit priest, Father Laforgue, accepts an assignment to travel to a mission that has been built the village of the Huron Indians and assist in spreading the word of God. In the beginning of the picture Laforgue is headstrong and unfaltering in his beliefs that he can help the native people; he is also anxious and ready to confront any adversity that might cross his path. In the opening scenes Father Laforgue is steadfast in his ultimate belief in his God and his superiority over the "savages." As the movie progresses it is possible to see the differences in the French Jesuit culture compared to that of the Algonquin. Mishaps and problems arise because of the contrasting beliefs and values in the two different cultures. As the movie continues another Indian tribe tak

As the movie nears an end the viewer is subjected to yet another culture that differs from that of the Algonquin and the Jesuits. This culture is that of the Iroquois Indians that capture Laforgue and his companions. The captives are brought to the Iroquois village and are tortured. The prisoners are forced to run a gauntlet while being brutally beaten by the Iroquois. One of the main aspects of the Iroquois that the viewer is able to pick up on is the staple of violence in their society. The Iroquois are very non-acceptant of other tribes, perceiving them as enemies and treating them accordingly. Another facet of the Iroquois culture is that of courage and strength in a man. While being put through physical and mental torture a man is forbidden to cry out. The cry is seen as a weakness and results in death. The Algonquin leader is forced to show his strength when his youngest daughter is murdered before his eyes. Father Laforgue also shows an uncanny understanding of the Iroquois culture when one of his fingers in amputated and he stares straight ahead, stone faced.

At this moment the viewer encounters another aspect of the Algonquin culture; the belief in spirits, both good and evil. Many of the Algonquin truly believe that Father Laforgue is a demon and that he should be killed immediately for fear he will bring harm to the rest of the tribe. The Algonquin go so far as to seek the aid of a sorcerer to help determine the true being that is the Father. The Algonquin also place stake in their dreams; they believe them to be true part of reality and they are to be analyzed with the utmost scrutiny. Events that occur in their dreams represent future events and dictate the actions of the tribe and its members. Many of the Algonquin beliefs are in great contrast to that of Father Laforgue and the Jesuits. Laforgue has a steadfast belief in God and all of the responsibilities and sanctions that follow in that belief. However, after traveling with the Algonquin the Father's beliefs begin to waver. He never loses faith in his God, yet he begins to question his inability to accept some of the Algonquin beliefs. At one point in the movie Laforgue states that maybe dreams are reality and becomes upset and distances himself from the group. Laforgue appears to be involved in an internal battle over his beliefs that were learned in France and the belie

Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1589
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Religion