Winesburg, Ohio Lesson Plan

In "The Philosopher," Doctor Parcival reveals the secret to life, that "everyone in the world is Chris and they are all crucified." What does this statement mean? What does it reveal about Parcival's attitude? In your opinion, how does George feel about this secret?

The secret suggests a type of victim complex on Parcival's part, a feeling that everyone is constantly in danger of being destroyed. The secret helps reframe some of the doctor's misanthropy, as he may be using his bitterness to fend off the attacks he feels that he's constantly under. George surely finds the idea fascinating but uses it to have sympathy for others, not bitterness.

At the end of "Nobody...