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Jade Bose

Professor Lasley
ENGL 1A
26 October 2016

A concept Amy E. Robillard conveyed through her essay It's Time for Class: Toward a
More Complex Pedagogy of Narrative is the importance of personal narratives with abstract and
concrete ideas. Abstract ideas are difficult to understand due to their unclear, non-conceptualized
thoughts, however using concrete ideas, the abstract idea becomes more visual. Robillard
introduces this topic to strengthen her message of how personal essays are crucial for
pedagogical compositions because they allow a deeper insight on a characters background and
clarification of concepts. By allowing concrete stories to justify an abstract idea, the points can
be made understandable and even relatable. This idea of abstract concepts conveyed through
concrete ideas was showcased multiple times in Tracy Kidders book Mountains Beyond
Mountains in order to justify peoples mindsets as well as explain the main character, Dr. Paul
Farmer. By utilizing Robillards lenses of how personal narratives allow abstract and concrete
ideas to blend, we can analyze how this theme plays a prevalent part in Tracy Kidders,
Mountains Beyond Mountains when comparing peoples rationale and their actions in lieu of
their spiritual beliefs.
Through Robillards lenses of this concept, she quotes Moffet in his example concerning
dogs and international trade: "[O]ne could observe an instance of 'bartering' or of 'dog' by
standing at one point in space-time, but one could not so observe an instance of 'international
trade,' which is itself a complex of actions occurring at different times and places" (81, Quoting
Moffet). This concept explained how simple ideas are easier to digest; however, more complex

forms of information and other concepts can be difficult and even overwhelming. That is where
ideas become more abstract because these concepts arent tied down into a concise example or
statement. Farmer realized this through the physical health within the Haitians, which wasnt as a
clear solution as he thought. It was one matter where medicine wouldnt help a patient, but it was
another matter where a patient would not take medicine given to them when it was at the cost of
their life. Farmer found it even more shocking for people to instead seek solace through spiritual
forms of help such as voodoo or witch doctors, which he deems to be insufficient for curing
ones health. However, he was able to learn more about them and understand their culture, which
was explained through the quote Religion was the one thing they still had. (pg 79). By
establishing the Haitians motives through religion, Farmer is able to solve the underlying
problem with their physical health and reach out to them in terms they understood. Farmer learns
that there is more than meets the eye when it comes to healing people. Its more than just a
diagnosis and medicine because one would have to understand the whole person to know what
they need or what theyre comfortable with. When it comes to the bigger picture of healing the
world, Farmer learns that hed need to understand all of Haiti such as the complexes, people,
and circumstances they go through in order to know how to heal them. Furthermore, he had a
deeper understanding of his patients and what it means to be open-minded because he is able to
understand what goes on with them mentally in order to heal them physically, which is a problem
that is developed through the government and other forms of medical attention.
Another aspect of Robillards theme was Farmers new spiritual outlook on the world and
Tom White. Referring back to the culture of Haiti, religion played a big factor in the actions they
take in their present day-to-day lives. Although this wasnt an aspect to Farmers own personal
life at the time, he later realized that religion explained certain factors that he could not. This is a

crucial change in Farmers life because as a medical and scientific man, he saw the world in a
methodical view. Not only that, but he saw the hardships of the people in Haiti, and the
inequality of the playing field that he deemed was too unfair for a higher force to have created.
However in later chapters, Farmer began taking more of a religious view on life, much like the
people of Haiti. Returning to his more spiritual view was confounding with his mentality of
rational and science, but this mindset allowed justification for the following actions. He was able
to receive a grant from Tom White, a man who supported Farmers goal of healing the world
by eliminating inequality in the health aspect. This action allowed for Farmer to believe that the
world isnt coincidental but rather, they happen for a purpose. The quote God sent you today.
(pg 95) demonstrated this ideal of being a fond believer because it didnt follow mere
coincidences. Robillard illustrated this elaboration to be justified by the levels of abstraction,
which are profound reaches and explanations to justify an action. Abstraction requires
categorization into classes and subclasses, and the "yardstick" by which concepts of two different
classes or subclasses are measured is "the extension in time and space of the referent" (82). This
is prevalent in Farmers life because he was a man of justifying and rational, not one to believe in
conspiracies and popular beliefs. Through the different levels of beliefs and actions, he was able
to connect the ideas of good faith in donors in order to prove that the popular belief of some form
of religion existing. Farmer rationalized the notion of religion because of how the outcomes
affecting him in real life, an abstract concept, was now justified and cemented through the
answer of religion.
Farmers passion of helping the world can be considered abstract because there was no
concise, reason as to why he does it, however can also be cemented and justified through his
literary works. His profound, innate need to help those in Haiti was a concept that was almost

abstract because there was no clear-cut distinction that made Farmer act this way. There was no
defining moment that struck to his motivation to help, so his love has grown from many stems.
The concept of a separation between a good and bad was conveyed through his book, The Lord
of the Rings, and his role model, Rudolf Virchow, brought out Farmers love for helping those
who needed medical attention. His new founding passion for medicine, help, and distinction of
good and evil was channeled into Haiti, the capital of those who need help. The quotes I
mean, what could be more religious than Lord of the Rings or War and Peace? (pg 48) and
Pathology, social medicine, politics, anthropology. My model. (pg 61) demonstrated his great
passion for medicine and the desire to be similar to his role model, which paved his future and
his motives for his actions. Although Farmers passion for helping Haiti may be difficult to
explain, it can be derived from concrete examples of what he loved through his years growing
up. Robillard stated The distance-the time,'the space, the hierarchical distinctions we maintain
between narrative and analysis becomes-is-blurred and that's the point. Imagine this type of blur
between a person's past and a person's present. A refusal to draw hard distinctions between who I
was and who I am. Narrative analysis as a conscious enactment of interpretation. (82) which is
an ideal that best represents how Farmers occupation can be contrived through his past.
Farmers narrative within the later chapters revealed more into how the type of person he
currently is was based on many aspects that were in his earlier years of life. Furthermore, smaller
forms of Farmers current actions can be explained through his past such as how he is so
accustomed to sleeping in places other than a bed because of the conditions he was used to at
home. Since Farmer grew up under humble circumstances, he is able to live in a home with no
running water or a proper bed, despite him being able to earn money to be better off. With his
frugal childhood, he is able to better live in limited conditions whilst focusing his time and

energy for people who desperately need care the most. With these concrete instances, abstract
features and motives of a character can be justified and defined.
Another aspect of Robillards theme of concrete and abstract ideals is that it justifies and
further develops an understanding of an idea. This instance was portrayed through Ophelias
understanding of Haiti, who was a daughter of an actress and the love interest in Farmers life.
Ophelia has been in Haiti for years prior to Dr. Farmers arrival, yet her view of Haiti had remain
constant and depthless. It wasnt until when Farmer came into the picture that she starts to truly
understand the complexities of Haiti and the weight of their struggles. Before shed met Paul,
Haiti had seemed merely vivid-- terrible and strange Now she had someone to translate Haiti
to her. In the process Paul laid out a comprehensive theory of poverty, of a world designed by the
elites of all nations to serve their own ends, the pieces of the designed enshrined in ideologies,
which erased the histories of how things came to be as they were. (73) Through Robillards
lense, this ideology was conveyed through her mention of abstract ideas being classified through
different classes and subclasses. Ophelia had an understanding of Haiti, however it was shallow
and vaguely-defined because she only looked forward to the time she could return home and
only took this opportunity to please her father and for mere charity work, not though her own
interest. Her view of Haiti was superficial, which is deemed vague and even abstract. It wasnt
through the cemented form of Farmers character, that her knowledge of Haiti became profound
and meaningful. Her view of Haiti was deepened into multiple classes such as her new
perspective of the theory of poverty and the bigger picture of power as a whole. This was beyond
her scope as a nurse in Haiti as she realized that medicine was a factor in a larger scheme of
inequality and government control. By allowing a concrete person to verify and cement her ideas

of Haiti, she is able to gather a deeper insight that she wasnt able to understand before her life
without Farmer.
Furthermore, Robillards theme of abstract and concrete ideals can be more specific to the
instance of the Mango Ladys death, who was a random bystander that died on a bed of mangoes
following a car crash. Although Farmer wasnt there to witness the accident nor did he know the
people involved, this instance still affected him greatly. This was a crucial point in Farmers life
in Haiti because it was a moment that truly spoke to Farmer for how life was valued there. He
documents this through a poem that is dedicated to Ophelia and it is a metaphor for the
symbolism of how first world countries cause problems for third world countries, or how elites
dont value the lives of those who are under them. Through Farmers analysis, he went into depth
of how he had to learn new concepts in order to help the people of Haiti. He explains to Ophelia
that there is a literal element into understanding Haiti, as well as a figurative and underlying
meaning into the roots of culture and way of life, As in mastering a language one had to learn
not just the literal meanings of words but also their connotations, and to grasp those one had to
know the politics and economic systems and histories of a place. Only then could you really
understand an event like the mango ladys death. (72) This concept is very similar to the last
concept of how an abstract idea of a certain instance can be very moving, or be crucial in
someones life. It can also further explain the immense theme of death and suffering in third
world countries, and the general overarching theme of finding inner humanitarianism in yourself
to help prevent these causes. In accordance to Robillards lens, abstract and concrete ideas can
further an idea to a theory, But without the stories, without the concrete, from what might one
abstract? From what would theories be developed? (81). This suggest that theories cant be
developed without a story, and this is eminent in Mountains Beyond Mountains because the

theory of poverty and abusive power cant be conveyed without listening to Haitis story, or in
this case, Paul Farmers story. Through the abstract factor of how an instant moment affects
someone, a concrete example can be derived from of the deeper message or theme of the book.
Touching upon religion, that aspect has been brought up multiple times in the book,
however, there are different instances that religion applies too. Its abstract nature allows for
justification of certain events, and it can also explain concepts that are difficult to explain
otherwise. In relation to Robillards essay, concrete ideas were introduced in order to compliment
abstract ideas, however, these concepts themselves are very juxtaposed. This kind of reasoning
opposes the personal as concrete with the academic as abstract. Yet, as Moffett explains, the
abstract and the concrete are not necessarily oppositional. (81) In this quote, Robillard first
introduces the concept about how concrete ideas and abstract ones are different, which is why the
pairing for both of them together is a new concept. Although, they were deemed as factors that
benefitted each other, there was a section in Mountains Beyond Mountains that challenges this
notion. This happened when Farmer and a few Haitians talked about the nature of the world and
how it works. How could a just God permit great misery? God gives but doesnt share
God gives us humans everything we need to flourish, but hes not the one whos supposed to
divvy up the loot. That charge was laid upon us. (79) This line applies to a more profound
meaning to the book, which is justifying the nature of how the world works from how people act
and how it associates with the belief that has been instilled in them. It is also a literal translation
from how Robillards lens is with concrete ideas being literally blended with abstract ideas. The
abstract idea in this sense is how religion can play a factor in life by trying to question and justify
the wrongdoings of the earth , however this is a more complex and noncommittal idea because it
seems that there is a responsibility that is shared between God and the people. This literal

comparison further expands on the nature of the abusive power and culture of Haiti, which is
finding solace through religion, yet also having to face the adversities from people that cause
these actions to them. That religious and abstract concept further delves into the concrete
question and answer of the hardships they face. Although concrete and abstract ideas are
complementary, there are instances like these where they are oppositional and ideas challenge the
concrete view.
To further elaborate, the people of Haiti understand the concept of having an abstract idea
define the actions that are beyond their control; however, they are discontent with the action
which is why they are muddled with having concrete people in power and abstract rules of
religion. The shared conviction that the rest of the world was wrong for screwing them over,
and that someone, someone just and perhaps even omniscient, was keeping score. (78)
Everybody else hates us, but God loves the poor more. And our cause is just. This is liberation
theology, which was a concept touched upon by Farmer to explain the disdain yet widespread
belief shared in accordance to how religion was all they had. As mentioned before, religion was a
substance that was able to justify the ends that couldnt be rationalized any other way, however it
still couldnt change the thoughts and feelings of people being affected by the outcome.
Furthermore, it was able to convey a message and provide insight to why certain things are the
way they are by providing a sense of security on how the world was run at an unlevel playing
field. However, in this particular sense, there was a blend of both concrete and abstract notions
because these religious ideas, although instilled to Haitians as the way of life, has been
unfavorable and challenged. In accordance to Robillard, At the lowest level of verbal
abstraction is the present-tense what is happening because it conforms most closely to the
temporal and spatial order in which phenomena occur. From the present tense up the abstraction

scale, the writer moves to what has happened to what happened to what was happening to what
happens to what may happen, and in doing so, the events "become less and less space-time
bound, and [are] processed from narratives to generalizations to theories" (35). This quote
theorizes the abstract belief with relation to the events that follow in Haiti. Within each notion
that happens to the people of Haiti, they look up to God for answers, yet are dismayed when they
are still in need. This allows for Farmer to deepen his understanding of the good and bad in
the world with Haitis flawed government because he is able to generalize the abstract concept
through the stories of Haitians that delve into his research of corrupt power. As for viewing this
term in Robillards lense, this instance allowed for a more literal blend of these concepts as well
as an instance that challenged these ordeals, however the past mentions of religion allowed for a
more smoother blend and transition between concepts.
To reiterate on Robillards lenses, abstract and concrete ideals justify each other because
they allow broad concepts to be more easily understood through the concrete examples. This
theme of abstract and concrete examples is evident in Mountains Beyond mountains through
religion factoring into Haitians lives, which justify their actions in accordance to taking
medicine. It was also later seen through Farmers own life, which elaborated on how good
samaritans that funded his operation were from a gift from God, and not from mere coincidences.
Furthermore, on the big picture concepts such as justifying Dr. Farmers current motivation for
his occupation can be described through the events he had to go through in his past, which also
elaborated on the type of person he is as a character and what he might plan to do in the future.
Although there were instances that strengthen Robillards concept of complementary concrete
and abstract ideals, there were other instances that challenged this notion. This was evident
where the deeply rooted religion of Haiti was being questioned by the ongoing struggles that

they faced, which changes the idea of how concrete and abstract ideas work together. However,
despite these differences, we are able to have a more analytical view of how concrete and
abstract ideas factor in Tracy Kidders Mountains Beyond Mountains by utilizing Robillards
themes from her narrative, It's Time for Class: Toward a More Complex Pedagogy of
Narrative.

Work Cited
Kidder, Tracy. Mountains beyond Mountains. New York: Random House Trade Paperbacks,
2009. Print.
Robillard, Amy E. "It's Time for Class: Toward a More Complex Pedagogy of Narrative."
College English 66.1 (2003): 74. Web.

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