Black Robe

Brian Moore's seventeenth century story Black Robe, is a historical retelling of Natives and the French Jesuits and the struggles they face with respect to their faiths and differing cultures. The "Black Robe", while trying to the "right thing" was merely trying to change who the Indians were and what they believed. This novel looks at the mission of Father Laforgue, his contact with strangers and the changing elements of one's culture and faith that can be altered. Throughout his mission there is an ever present theme of morality, as well.

Throughout this novel, Brian Moore illustrates various themes, but his main focus is believed to be on such faith, and culture of the two very different sides- The Algonkians, and the Black Robes. The Black Robe had this feeling that preaching to these people, for God and for his beliefs, is what he was really meant to do- his mission in life. "Today he set out for that place where martyrdom was more than just a pious. This is my hour. This is my beginning." (p.31). He had this feeling that it was his calling to change the Native's lifestyle and beliefs into what he believed was a better way of life. Laforgue felt that it would be their salvation, and that he had an opportunity to save their souls, for God, when really the Algonkians wanted nothing to do with them. They had their own ways of living, their own beliefs, and especially their own God. The Algonkians believed that the "Normans" were bringing bad and evil to them and their journey, as well as their hunting for food. It was set in their minds that the Normans were not out to save them or help them, but almost as if they were trying to sabotage them.