“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume
Question 1.
“Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume is a tale of Margaret Simon, an eleven-year-old who lived in New York City most of her life. When Margaret joins the sixth grade, she begins worrying on issues like periods, boys and wearing of the bra like any other adolescent girl. Religion is one of the themes in “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” To begin with, Margaret is brought up by a Christian mother and a Jewish father and therefore, she grows up without a specific religion. Her parents believe that when she is old enough, she will be able to choose a religion. Margaret has a hard time deciding which religion to follow and the only time she feels like talking to God is when she lonely.
The title phrase “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” is repeated severally when Margaret talks to God when she is reporting an event or requesting for something. This phrase displays the exceptional connection Margret has with God even if she does not have a formal religion. In the novel, religion has a significant role in Margaret’s life since she acknowledges that God exists and He is the answer in times of challenges and loneliness. Growing up with parents of mixed religion has contributed to Margaret’s uncertainty on religious matters. Margret grows up having a hard time deciding on the religion she will embrace. When Mr Benedict gives his sixth-grade class an individual project, Margret decided to choose the religion subject. She joins her friends in going to church and her grandmother to the temple in the attempt of understanding the various faith, but she still struggles to have a connection. I think that Margaret will never choose a specific religion because she is comfortable with the relationship she has with God. Her connection with God is different from the connection other people have with God. Some people believe that they connect better with God when they are in the temple, mosque or any religious place but Margaret prefers talking to God privately and when she is alone.
Works Cited
Blume, Judy. Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. Simon & Schuster, 2014.