Christian Imagery In 'The Children Of Men'

Grace Taylor

The Children of Men Analytical Paper

Dr. Torrey Imaginary Worlds Period D

April 11, 2023 The Use of Christian imagery within The Children of Men

Religious symbolism is often embedded into literature as a device to contrive powerful stories of desperation, redemption, and the ongoing fight between good and evil. The universal usage of specifically Christian imagery allows the author to quickly familiarize readers with the subject of their work and develop a compelling narrative through biblical counterparts. One version of Christian symbolism is evident in PD James’ The Children of Men, a dystopian novel that follows a cynical Oxford historian named Theo. Theo faces the imminent end of the human race due to men’s infertility

After initially telling Julain that he cannot help her group realize their demands, Theo continues to feel a strange desire to protect her, especially when authorities begin to pursue her group. Theo’s worries culminate when he is informed that Julian is somehow pregnant and in need of his help. When Theo finally sees Julian and confirms her pregnancy, he “knelt [kneels], unselfconsciously, not thinking of it as a gesture of homage but knowing that it was right that he should be on his knees … Now he felt vulnerable and inadequate where once he had felt most confident and sure” (153). Theo demonstrates the first semblance of a shift in priorities to be more selfless and take action to protect Julian’s unborn child. His instinctive and “unselfconscious” movement to kneel before Julian portrays his realization that a miracle has occurred and that this child will save the human race. Theo does not attempt to analyze his actions or feelings of intuitive devotion to this child as he ordinarily would. He simply allows himself to be moved by the tide of emotion that the moment elicits, which leaves him feeling “vulnerable and inadequate” in comparison. Seeing that Julian is pregnant gives Theo a purpose in protecting Julain, which signifies his movement away from his previous emotionally alienated self. Theo even subsequently recognizes that the moment shared with Julian “had bound him to them irrevocably” (159). This bond that has formed between Theo and Julian confirms Theo’s devoutness to this miracle child and, therefore, the growth he has begun to experience by allowing himself to care for others and act as a protector. Through this movement toward redemption for both Theo and humanity, James likens Julian’s child to baby Jesus as the