One final dab of symbolism in 'O Brother Where Art Thou?'

In which tmatt, on a long journey, offers readers a quick, enlightening "signal" question

Speaking of a long, interesting journey …

As someone who spent a decade living in the Rocky Mountains, I have decided that the coast of Alaska is basically Colorado with a coastline. Has anyone else here made that connection?

Oh, where was I?

I have another quick post for Rational Sheep readers now that I have my “On Religion” column done (and shipped to the syndicate) and the good ship Westerdam is slowly passing through two passages bright with blue glacier ice (yes, with brief sights of whales). In this case, I want to know what readers think of the ending of the great Coen brothers epic, “O Brother Where Art Thou?”

Now, if you have done any reading about that film, you are aware of the many ways in which it offers a deep-friend Southern take on Homer’s “The Odyssey.” You know, Ulysses Everett McGill is Odysseus, the hero is overly proud (dapper, even), he is on a quest to win the love of his estranged wife, who is “Penny” (short for Penelope), you have a violent cyclops (sort of), the singing of sirens is heard at a crucial moment, etc., etc.

That’s all well and good.

However, in terms of a “signal” from some talented Hollywood scribes who have always been fascinated with evil, repentance, redemption and even hardcore grace, what do you folks think of the tsunami of symbols at the end?

How often, in mainstream film, does a “sinner” — the word is used in an appropriate manner — plead with God for mercy, life and salvation?

There are many, many puzzle clues to be found in the famous Americana soundtrack. Here is a relevant chunk of information from a great essay at FaithAndWitness.org, focusing on the theological themes in this music and movie.

… Of course, “I Am a Man of Constant Sorrow”, the movie’s leading track performed with glory by Dan Tyminski of bluegrass powerhouse Union Station, puts the real desire of Ulysses’s heart on full display. As George Clooney’s character unwittingly finds himself at his most naked and afraid, playing a song with his three friends to earn a little money to fuel their escape, we also learn later in the movie that his true desire is not the “treasure” he has buried away, but that of his family and of his identity.

But only near the end of the movie, after (spoiler alert) he is reunited with his wife and many daughters, do we get the song and the moment which highlights that conversion. “Lonesome Valley”, an old spiritual, reminds Ulysses that at the end of the day, as he fears that the sheriff chasing the boys is about to hang them for good, that he is alone with God and himself. He drops to his knees, looking to Heaven in a moment of earnest fear, and asks God to save him so he may see his wife and children. Only when he confesses the true longing of his heart, his vocation as a father and husband, does he finally receive his salvation. …

OK, what is the core symbol in this near-death-experience finale?

I know what I see and it’s a central right of ancient Christianity. But maybe the flood of symbols is just a flood?

Tell me what you see.