The Rectangle
Know how every city has that one area which is notorious for what might be gently described as sinful activity? Well, in the town in this novel that area has a name: the Rectangle. In a story about almost a whole town trying to do what Jesus would do as an experiment in liberal Christianity, the Rectangle would be a natural battlefield between good and evil. And so it is, metaphorically speaking:
“The end of the week found the Rectangle struggling hard between two mighty opposing forces. The Holy Spirit was battling with all His supernatural strength against the saloon devil which had so long held a jealous grasp on its slaves.”
And the Blind Shall See
The town in question here is Raymond. And it is not all like the Rectangle. In fact, many citizens don’t even know to what extent the Rectangle impacts their city—from a theological view, that is. In a testament to the ability of people to not see what is going on right beneath them, one character observes:
"I never realized that Raymond had such a festering sore. It does not seem possible that this is a city full of Christian disciples."
The Gospel of Felicia
Felicia is profoundly changed by the experience of asking what would Jesus do before doing anything. Somewhat purposeless before, she is committed after. In fact, she might be said to be the spokesperson for a central element of the author’s interest: that of the value of food as social engineering device. When asked of serving the poor of the city, “You don't really mean that you will live here and help these people to know the value of good food?” Felicia’s answer is metaphorical and literal at once:
"Indeed I do," she answered gravely. "That is my gospel. Shall I not follow it?"
Born Again
There is little question that this novel is the origin of a phrase more popular today than ever before: What would Jesus Do? But there is also a metaphorical image that has an even strong and older bond among evangelical Christians. As to whether its provenance is located here is for others to determine, but clearly the author was ahead of his time when it came to imagery:
“The Christian Endeavor Society had, with enthusiasm, in many churches taken the pledge to do as Jesus would do, and the result was already marked in a deeper spiritual life and a power in church influence that was like a new birth for the members.”
Temptation
The author engages metaphorical imagery to its finest extent in the book during a passage describing the newly installed assistant janitor sweeping the steps of goodness that is the Settlement which is just across the alley from centerpiece of evil which are the saloons of the Rectangle:
“He was on the sidewalk now, sweeping the last step, with his face towards the Settlement and his back turned partly on the saloon across the alley. He swept the step a dozen times. The sweat rolled over his face and dropped down at his feet. By degrees he felt that he was drawn over towards that end of the step nearest the saloon. He could smell the beer and rum now as the fumes rose around him. It was like the infernal sulphur of the lowest hell, and yet it dragged him as by a giant's hand nearer its source.”
