Lilies of the Field, a novel written by William Edmund Barrett in 1962, is a heartwarming tale of faith, determination, and the power of human connection.
It tells the story of an African American handyman named Homer Smith and the group of nuns he encounters in the Arizona desert. Set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, this novel continues to resonate with readers today.
In this article, we will delve into a comprehensive book summary, an analysis of the themes and characters, and a comparison with the cinematic adaptation.
A Comprehensive Book Summary
Homer Smith, a former soldier and now a traveling handyman, encounters a group of East German nuns led by Mother Maria in the Arizona desert.
They are struggling to survive and build a chapel for their convent. Despite their language barrier and differences in beliefs, Homer is moved by their faith and decides to help them build the chapel. Over time, the characters learn about each other’s backgrounds and form a strong bond.
As the chapel construction progresses, Homer and the nuns face various challenges, including a lack of resources, adverse weather conditions, and skepticism from the local community.
However, their determination and faith in God keep them going. Eventually, Homer’s hard work and the nuns’ unwavering faith lead to the completion of the chapel, which becomes a symbol of hope and unity for the community.
At the end of the story, Homer leaves the convent, having fulfilled his purpose there. He continues his journey, knowing that he has made a difference in the lives of the nuns and the community.
Analyzing the Themes and Characters
Lilies of the Field explores themes such as faith, determination, and the power of human connection.
The novel portrays the importance of having faith in a higher power, as demonstrated by the nuns’ unwavering belief in God’s guidance and providence. The story also highlights the value of determination and persistence, as both Homer and the nuns work tirelessly to achieve their goal of building the chapel.
The characters in Lilies of the Field are well-developed and relatable. Homer Smith, the protagonist, is a strong and independent individual who initially struggles with the idea of helping the nuns. However, he eventually embraces the opportunity to make a difference in their lives.
Mother Maria, the leader of the nuns, is a determined and resourceful woman who firmly believes in God’s plan for the chapel. The nuns, each with their unique personalities and backgrounds, form a strong bond with Homer, illustrating the power of human connection in overcoming adversity.
Lilies of the Field in Cinema: Comparing the Book and Movie
Lilies of the Field was adapted into a successful film in 1963, directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Sidney Poitier as Homer Smith.
The movie stays relatively faithful to the source material, with some minor changes for cinematic purposes. The most significant difference is the addition of a subplot involving a local priest, played by Stanley Adams, who initially opposes the construction of the chapel but eventually joins the efforts.
The film’s parent guide highlights that it is a family-friendly movie, with no offensive content or explicit scenes.
The themes of faith, determination, and human connection are well represented in the film, making it an excellent adaptation of the novel.
Parent Guide: What to Expect in the Book and Movie
Lilies of the Field is a wholesome and uplifting story suitable for readers and viewers of all ages. The book contains no explicit content or offensive language, making it a suitable choice for young readers or a family read-aloud.
Similarly, the movie adaptation is family-friendly, with a G rating and no explicit scenes or offensive content.
Parents can expect their children to be exposed to themes of faith, determination, and the power of human connection in both the book and the movie.
These themes can spark valuable discussions about the importance of helping others, believing in a higher power, and the impact of perseverance in overcoming adversity.
When and Where Lilies of the Field Takes Place
Lilies of the Field is set in the early 1960s, during the civil rights movement in the United States. The story takes place in the Arizona desert, where the nuns’ convent is located.
This setting provides a stark contrast to the bustling cities and communities of the time, emphasizing the isolation and hardships faced by the nuns and Homer.
The backdrop of the civil rights movement adds depth to the story, as it highlights the racial issues prevalent in society at the time.
This context serves to emphasize the significance of Homer’s decision to help the nuns, as well as the unity and acceptance that develop between the characters throughout the novel.
Exploring Film Locations and Real-Life Inspirations
The film adaptation of Lilies of the Field was primarily shot on location in Arizona, with the chapel scenes filmed near Tucson. The desert landscape and authentic settings help to bring the story to life on screen and create a sense of realism for the viewer.
As for real-life inspirations, it is believed that the story of Lilies of the Field was inspired by an actual encounter between author William Edmund Barrett and a group of nuns in the Arizona desert.
This encounter, combined with Barrett’s own experiences and imagination, gave birth to the heartwarming tale that has touched the hearts of readers and viewers for decades.
Who’s Who: Key Characters and Their Roles
The key characters in Lilies of the Field include:
- Homer Smith: The protagonist, an African American handyman who helps the nuns build their chapel.
- Mother Maria: The leader of the nuns, a determined and resourceful woman who believes in God’s plan for the chapel.
- Sister Gertrude, Sister Agnes, Sister Albertine, and Sister Elizabeth: The other nuns in the convent, each with their unique personalities and backgrounds.
- Father Murphy: A character unique to the movie adaptation, a local priest who initially opposes the chapel construction but later joins the efforts.
These characters, with their distinctive traits and motivations, contribute to the novel’s rich tapestry and provide a well-rounded exploration of the themes and messages conveyed by the story.
Memorable Quotes from Lilies of the Field
Some memorable quotes from Lilies of the Field include:
- “As ye have faith, so shall your powers and blessings be.” – Mother Maria
- “Man, I ain’t building no church. I’m a builder, not a preacher.” – Homer Smith
- “God is the same everywhere, isn’t He?” – Sister Gertrude
- “You don’t know what faith is until you’ve been with these women.” – Homer Smith
These quotes not only capture the essence of the story but also serve as a testament to the power of faith, determination, and human connection.
The Iconic Soundtrack by Jerry Goldsmith
The movie adaptation of Lilies of the Field features a beautiful and evocative soundtrack composed by renowned composer Jerry Goldsmith.
The music perfectly captures the atmosphere of the Arizona desert and the emotions experienced by the characters throughout the story.
The iconic theme song, “Amen,” performed by Sidney Poitier, has become synonymous with the film and is a testament to Goldsmith’s talent for creating memorable and fitting scores.
Curiosities and Lesser-Known Facts
Some lesser-known facts about Lilies of the Field and its adaptation include:
- Sidney Poitier won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Homer Smith, becoming the first African American actor to win the award.
- The film was shot in just 14 days, with a budget of only $240,000.
- Author William Edmund Barrett was a devout Catholic, which likely influenced the themes of faith and determination in the novel.
These curiosities add to the intrigue and legacy of Lilies of the Field, demonstrating its impact on both literature and cinema.
Tips for Cosplay: Dressing Like the Characters
For fans looking to cosplay as characters from Lilies of the Field, the following tips will help you create authentic and recognizable costumes:
- Homer Smith: Wear a simple, casual outfit such as a button-up shirt, suspenders, and work pants. Add a hat and work boots to complete the look.
- Mother Maria and the nuns: Wear traditional nun habits, including a long black dress, a white wimple, and a black veil. Add a rosary and a wooden cross necklace to complete the costume.
These simple yet effective costume ideas will allow you to embody the spirit of the characters and pay homage to the timeless story of Lilies of the Field.
William Edmund Barrett: Biography and Other Works
William Edmund Barrett (1900-1986) was an American author and devout Catholic, best known for his novel Lilies of the Field.
Born in New York City, Barrett worked as a reporter and editor before turning to writing novels. His other works include The Left Hand of God, The Wine and the Music, and The Fools of Time.
Barrett’s writing often explores themes of faith, determination, and the human spirit, reflecting his own beliefs and experiences.
Understanding the Ending: A Deeper Analysis
The ending of Lilies of the Field sees Homer Smith leave the convent, having fulfilled his purpose there. This conclusion can be interpreted in several ways.
On one hand, it signifies the completion of a mission and the beginning of a new journey for Homer. On the other hand, it represents the transient nature of human connections and the impact that individuals can have on each other’s lives, even in a short period.
The ending also serves as a reminder of the power of faith and determination, as the completed chapel stands as a symbol of hope and unity for the community.
Overall, the conclusion of Lilies of the Field is a poignant and thought-provoking conclusion to a heartwarming story.
The Potential for Remakes, Sequels, and Spin-Offs
Although there have been no official announcements regarding remakes, sequels, or spin-offs of Lilies of the Field, the timeless themes and memorable characters lend themselves well to potential adaptations.
A modern retelling, a prequel exploring the nuns’ journey to America, or a spin-off focusing on the lives of the characters after the events of the novel could all make for compelling stories that continue to explore the themes of faith, determination, and human connection.
Ralph Nelson’s Other Media Contributions
Ralph Nelson was an American film and television director, best known for directing the 1963 film adaptation of Lilies of the Field. Throughout his career, Nelson worked on numerous films and television series, often tackling social issues and telling stories of human perseverance.
Some of his other notable works include Requiem for a Heavyweight, Soldier in the Rain, and Charly.
Similar Media to Lilies of the Field
If you enjoyed Lilies of the Field, you might also enjoy the following similar media:
- Books: The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham, and The Shoes of the Fisherman by Morris West.
- Movies: To Sir, with Love (1967), Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), and The Color Purple (1985).
These works share themes of faith, determination, and human connection, offering further exploration of the ideas presented in Lilies of the Field.
Book Club Discussion Questions
For book club discussions of Lilies of the Field, consider the following questions:
- How does the setting of the Arizona desert contribute to the atmosphere and themes of the novel?
- In what ways does the backdrop of the civil rights movement impact the story and its characters?
- What do you think the completed chapel symbolizes for the characters and the community?
- How do the themes of faith and determination manifest themselves throughout the story?
- How does the ending of the novel affect your interpretation of the story?
Exploring Video Game Adaptations and Inspirations
While there are no direct video game adaptations of Lilies of the Field, some games explore similar themes or settings. Games like Journey, Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, and Life is Strange focus on the power of human connection and the impact of determination in overcoming adversity.
These games offer unique and immersive ways to explore themes similar to those found in Lilies of the Field.
Travel Guide: Visiting Lilies of the Field Locations
Fans of Lilies of the Field may be interested in visiting the Arizona desert, where both the novel and movie adaptation take place. Tucson, Arizona, where the movie’s chapel scenes were filmed, offers a range of attractions, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Saguaro National Park, and the San Xavier del Bac Mission.
A visit to these locations will allow fans to experience the beauty and atmosphere of the setting that inspired Lilies of the Field.
Conclusion
Lilies of the Field is a timeless tale of faith, determination, and the power of human connection. With its memorable characters, evocative setting, and poignant themes, the novel and its cinematic adaptation continue to resonate with readers and viewers alike.
From exploring the book and movie summaries to delving into the themes, characters, and real-life inspirations, we hope this comprehensive guide has provided you with a deeper appreciation for this classic story and its enduring impact on literature and cinema.
