Reluctance

Throughout the entire novel the Whiskey Priest is plagued with a sense of reluctance. I believe that reluctance defines his character. As he sits in the dentist's house, he is reluctant to drink. He holds the brandy as if it were a creature that could destroy him. Soon after he sips at the amber liquid a child comes to the door and demands that the Whiskey Priest help the child's mother. The priest states that there is nothing wrong with the boy's mother. He does not wish to leave and allow the boat to sail away. His reluctance is also seen as he wishes to leave the Fellow's barn. At this point in the story he is reluctant to stay! He is almost afraid of seeing his daughter. He is terrified to take the confessions of the people in the small village; he is even scared to sleep for fear that he might be caught. Even his donkey is reluctant. As they are headed toward Brigetta and home, the mule stops on the trail and refuses to move forward. The mule again stops as the Whiskey Priest is leaving his "family." This time it stops because of a snake that has trailed across the path. Could this be a foreshadowing of the danger that awaits up the road? The reluctance of the Whiskey Priest is mimicked by his mule.