Will Perfection Ever Return?
Centerpiece for The Garden of Eden
The Tree of Life, mentioned in both Genesis and Revelation of The Bible, is simply a physical and symbolic emblem for immortality. However, with the sins of Adam and Eve, the story highlights how our fate (as humans) was chosen to include imminent death. Thanks a lot ya’ll. All you had to do was NOT eat from The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. But human curiosity will almost always prevail over commandment, now won’t it?
In digging deeper however, I think there is a major suggestion here that the predecessor of mortality is suffering: the inevitable occurrence that is unavoidable in life. Believe me, I have tried. Suffering is here to stay. Not only is The Tree of Life a centerpiece for The Garden of Eden, it also embodies a reminder of the sins of the past, present, and future- sins that spark the preordained suffering we all must endure. With that, the cycle continues.
**All you had to do was reject the fruit. Come on, guys.**
The Modern Day Tree of Life
Terrence Malick’s aesthetic pleasure, The Tree of Life, brings a modern-ish twist to the ancient Bible story. There is no Adam and Eve in sight, but there is an endless array of suffering. Much of it is difficult to sus out behind the guise of such a beautiful range of sights, sounds, and emotions; nonetheless, once you notice it, it is hard to unsee.
The story follows the recollections of a middle-aged Jack O’Brien (Sean Penn), reflecting on his childhood with his two brothers and parents (Brad Pitt & Jessica Chastain) during the Mid-20th-Century in Waco, Texas. The now seemingly successful man recalls the sharp edges, the suffering of his past and how it helped shape him. His parents, quite opposite, molded his existence as his father taught him about the real world while his mother preached life in the clouds. Experiences, like death, a loss of innocence, and misunderstandings between parents and children also provoke suffering in the film. Such is life.
This stunning rendition—although highlighting suffering—also stresses the balance that God offers through his magnificent glory in the form of beauty. The imaging and auditory components of the film are commanding, but the beauty of reflection is additionally powerful. Some say that Brad Pitt’s character is a threatening force- I get it. But as a parent, have you not ever taken on an overbearing nature to shield your children from whatever suffering they might endure? I know I have. Many times my explanations for my children are, “because I said so,” when I really mean to say: “so that you won’t feel pain.” We’ve all been there.
“Father. Mother. Always you wrestle inside me. Always you will.”
Jack O’Brien
“How can I be good if you aren’t?“
Through the film, Jack struggles with this inquiry as he bursts through his adolescence. He questions God when bad things happen, only to later realize via reflection that occurrences are usually a lesson or a blessing (thanks Southern Philo). Just like fire burns and also heals, bad things happen for a reason. To question God is normal, especially within suffering. However, understanding takes time, patience, and healing. Just like a burn. We must experience the flame to appreciate it- to honor and respect it. Many times when we are in a state of anguish, the difficulty of understanding it is great. Simply, it takes distance to recognize the meaning behind many incidents- sorrow included.
To Answer the Question…
No, I do not think perfection will ever return. Adam and Eve blew it. That is not to say that we cannot find our own idea of perfection—and balance—in reflection of our sufferings. Take heed of the burn, observe, and learn from it, because it lies predestined on our path towards mortality. It sounds awful, I know, but so true. The good thing is, the more you suffer, the more you learn. Eventually, suffering lessens as you reflect on the past. As Jack’s mother suggests in the film, you must choose the life path of nature or grace. I know the path of nature will ultimately direct you towards grace, given reflection and growth. In searching for your own perfection: Which path will you choose? Nature or Grace? Lesson or Blessing?
“There are two ways through life: The Way of Nature, and The Way of Grace. You have to choose which one you’ll follow.”
The Tree of Life
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