In His Steps

The Rectangle is one of the central motifs and symbols in the novel, appearing throughout the narrative as a central hub for the Raymond congregation’s ministry in fulfilling the pledge. It is a locus of transformation; many central events proceed from the Rectangle, and many characters return there during major moments of grace and insight. The Rectangle is the first place made to be a point of conversion and is a symbol for the greater world as a whole: the struggle between light and darkness, between virtue and vice. In the end it proves to be something that is never completely conquered and yet is, at the same time, a place of miracles.

A prime tension in the narrative is the use and possession of money. The congregation of Raymond is considerably wealthy—some members even possess vast sums of money thanks to inheritances and business ventures—but they live in close proximity to the Rectangle, a center of poverty and misery. The group members who make the pledge, however, quickly realize that their money is a good thing not to be scorned; it is necessary to distribute and use with prudence and charity.