The Great Answer Fulton Oursler

The Great Answer

Fulton Oursler

USA (1893-1952)

Apply the four level of meaning to “The Great Answer”.

Literal comprehension: Nazi Armies were capturing France during Second World War. German police were looking Jewish refugees to imprison and kill in concentration camp. The refugees wanted to cross the Spanish boarder and reach Spain so that they can go to America. Among the group a young mother with her 4 years child were three. Then the rumors was spreading that German police were coming that side. The woman prayed to god for freedom. A man came and guided all of them to cross the mountain. He told them god would help in difficult journey. Young and middle-aged persons were ready to carry the child. The guide told them to believe and remember the God in danger. The oldest man said of being tired and couldn’t go further. The leader encouraged him and other weaker people to walk until they had a drop of energy. With great struggle and praying God they reached the safe place alive and better condition in the morning. Afterwards, the weak people had new hope new power of new life. This became the great solution to the complex problem of life.

Interpretation: I think that the story may be trying to tell about the great answer to the problem of life. It tells that one should keep on doing hard work at the time of inability. One must not give up the hope. It tells that our life is full of various problems. Going away from these problems is not good solution rather one must try his best to solve that problem. Facing problems and daring such problems are good solutions. It also tells that the selfless help ultimately becomes help to ourselves.

Critical Thinking: it is believable and acceptable when we see the situation form which refugees are running away. They are running away at night from the attack of German police. But it is questionable: How can the weakest persons keep in carrying the child so long?  How does modern reader have faith on the mercy and care of God? We can accept the fact that hard labor and practice makes us successful.

Assimilation: After reading this story I knew something new. We must not afraid of danger and hardship. We should dare to solve any problem with courage and boldness. If we keep on doing something how far we can do there is solution or goal at hand. If our present problem seems great, we should face a more serious problem then earlier problem becomes easier.

c. Oursler believes that the incident he describes provides “The great answer to the riddle of life”

a.      What is that answer?

b.      Do you agree with him?

c.       Do you think something like that incident could actually happen?

d.      Do we have similar conduct of life?

The story has the great answer. The answer is that we should help other selflessly. Helping other selflessly is helping ourselves. We get new energy, power of living and hopes if we do selfless help to others who are in problem. This is not only great answer, it is great answer of our life’s question also.

Yes, I am fully agreed with this grand idea of the writer. If all people of the world or any country or society are selfless helpers, we can solve any problems of life. But our society’s people are opportunists and selfish. They never sacrifice to others rather ready to do any plotting to ruin others.

Actually, such incident rarely happens in our real life. In case of this situation the modern people save themselves at first. In such critical situation almost all people become the opportunists. Sometimes this type of risky work can’t be done. How can be an old weak and unable to walk person carry a four years girl for such long time? Though real incident may not happen as such but true help and humanity of this story can’t be rejected by any cost.