Brother+Battle

Brother Battle  by Catherine F.

** Audio-cast: media type="file" key="catherinefconversation.mp3" width="240" height="20"**

Throughout history, sibling rivalry has always been present. Many siblings fight out of jealousy, for attention from parents or others, or to prove that they are different and should not be compared. As siblings get older, they sometimes learn to look past their differences and get along, but other times they still hold resentment towards each other. In the Bible, two brothers, Cain and Abel, find themselves fighting out of jealousy and even attention, which escalates into death.

** About the Artist: **

Peter Paul Rubens was schooled in Latin and Greet and became a messenger. After returning home he decided to pursue painting. He studied under Tobias Verhaecht, Adam van Noort, and Otto van Veen and was later accepted into the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke. From 1600 to 1608, he studied and painted in Italy. During this time, he painted //Cain Slaying Abel //. Peter Paul Rubens’s Site Biography on Peter Paul Rubens

**Character Analysis: **

 Because he is an insecure person, Cain, when he does not receive regards from God, shows his jealousy by killing his brother Abel. When Cain and Abel both offer some of their wealth to God, he had no regard for Cain’s offering, and “Cain was angry and his countenance fell” (Gen. 4.8). As Cain’s countenance “fell,” the redactors show that he is not secure enough to compose himself and work harder. Because he cannot realize his strengths on his own and becomes upset, Cain feels inferior to his brother without acknowledgement from a higher power. Just as God becomes insecure about his power when Adam and Even eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, he gives them many hardships and makes them move so that they will not gain the same power as he. Many characters must learn to overcome their insecurities in order to strive.

Peter Paul Rubens, who painted //Cain Slaying Abel // , portrays Cain as pinning Abel to the ground. As Cain holds a knife above Abel, he comes across as jealous because the only way he can feel good about himself is to kill those who are better. Acting with jealousy also hurt Jacob’s sons when they sold Joseph into slavery and their homeland later was affected by drought and famine. While they are starving in their homeland, Joseph is prospering in Egypt and helps the pharaoh. While overcome by jealousy, characters tend to act harshly and regret their actions later on.

As the younger son, Abel is a hard-worker and in return becomes naïve in believing that hard work can always help him. Abel watched over the sheep well and "the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering" (Gen. 4.7). Because God has "regard" for the offering, the redactors show that Abel works hard enough for God to appreciate and praise. His hard work helps him gain respect and prosper under God. Just like Abel worked hard so God would appreciate him, Jacob worked seven years for each of his wives. After fourteen years, he had two wives and was able to have many offspring. Working hard will bring good fortune to those who put the time and effort in.



Rubens, in his picture of //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain Slaying Abel // <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">, paints Abel after he has fallen under the power of Cain. His shocked facial expression shows that he was naive enough to to think that Cain cared about him. When Abel thought that all he needed is for God to appreciate him, Cain took advantage of him and killed him. Another example of a naive character who was taken advantage of is Eve. The serpent tricked her into eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil when she knew God told her not to.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Script: **

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> **<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Narrator: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain asked Abel to go into the field with him. God had regards for Abel, keeper of the sheep, and his offering but not Cain's, tiller of the ground. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> I am sorry God had no regards for your offering. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> (sigh) It is not fair. I worked so much harder than you, and what do I get in return? Nothing! <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Do not worry brother, if you work harder God will see and give you regards. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">How can you be so sure? Did God tell you this? Do you and he talk every week just to catch up? <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> No, but I have faith that he watches both of us and will appreciate your hard work. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> No! He won't. All you have to do is watch over sheep and animals. I am out in the field, laboring, and harvesting crops. Never have I received anything special for it. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> I can help you. If tilling the ground is such a hard job, I will come with you. Surely then God will give you regards for your crops. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> I don't need your help. I am the first-born son. You are the second. I will not receive help from you. As the oldest, I have more responsibilities and receive more, not you. I don't want anything from you. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> I am sorry. Let me help you. No one will know and you can take all the credit for it. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Why? Why should I let you help me? I have been harsh on you ever since we were boys, and never once have you raised your voice to me or become angry. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> It is because I care for you. You are my older brother; I look up to you. Tomorrow, I will meet you here in the field and help you. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">I don't want your help! I can do this on my own. Everyone is proud of you already, and I don't need to give them another reason to be proud of you. This is my problem not yours. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> Fine, then do not trouble me with your problems. If you do not want my help then leave me alone and stop complaining. You can't get everything you want whenever you want! <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Narrator: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> As Able turned to return to the house(shuffling feet), Cain came up behind him and struck him onto the ground.(loud thump) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> What are you doing? You don't want my help so let me go. You are so spoiled. Just because you are the oldest does not mean you are above me or anyone else. You must work to earn a living like the rest of us. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">You're right. . . I don't get ANYTHING I want. . .But you do, from God, from Mom and Dad, from everyone. I can't take it anymore. You are like the perfect son. Everyone likes you better than me and it should be the other way around. I am the oldest; I should be better liked and more respected. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> I told you, if you do not want my help, then let me go. I will not help you if you will not accept it. The world doesn’t revolve around you. This will bring you more trouble than you already have. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Cain: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> There you go again. Always with the good advice and doing the right thing. NO! I can do what ever I want and I don't want to stand by while you get all the credit and praise. (raises knife) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">**<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Abel: ** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;"> I'm sorry! Please don't do this! I'll do anything. Plea--- (stabs Abel) voice fading and heavy breathing) I'm sorry. I . ..


 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Dialogue Analysis: **

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">As Cain begins to argue with his brother Abel over regards from God, he shows his true insecurities about himself which leads to jealousy of his brother. While finally letting his feelings out, Cain explains to Abel that he complains that he has never "received anything special" (Finney 2) for his hard work. As Cain wishes that he "received" regards from God, he shows he will only feel better if others praise his work instead of just himself. Cain at this moment sounds much like a little child upset when he does not receive the best toys that he wanted. His constant complaining shows he cannot remain composed to state his feels in a mature manner. Due to this insecurity, Cain wants to be more like his brother Abel as he seems like the perfect son. As they talk in the field, Cain tells Abel that "everyone is proud of [him] already" (Finney 3) and does not want Abel to continue to rise above him. Cain believes that as the oldest he should have more respect from others than Abel, which is not the case. Because Cain continues to compare himself to Abel, Finney shows that he cannot be satisfied with himself as he is and must be better than his brother.This need to be the best and jealousy takes over causing Cain to kill his brother in his only attempt to be the perfect son. Even though Cain is portrayed as tough, Finney shows that inside he yens for recognition from God and his parents.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Reflection: **[[image:Frustration_Relief.gif width="285" height="347" align="right"]]

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">When our class was first assigned this assignment, I did not realize how time-consuming it would turn out to be. I thought I would be able to wait until the last minute like usual to finish the assignment, and now I regret that decision. The hardest part for me was thinking of the topic for my dialogue because I am not a very creative person. Creative assignments are always the hardest for me and the dialogue proved more difficult than expected. Also, recording and editing the dialogue was a long process. Every mistake I made, I had to restart in order to get it perfect. There are a lot of analysis involved which also required me to spend more time than I expected trying to go deeper into the characters. At times I became very frustrated with the project because of all of the challenges I encountered but managed to think them through.


 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Webspiration Chart: **

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<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 132.25%;">**Works Cited:** <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">“Cain and Abel.” //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">First Baptist Raytown //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2010. <http://www.firstbaptistraytown.org/‌cain.html>. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">“Cain Slaying Abel.” //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Biblical Art on the WWW //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2010. <http://www.biblical-art.com/‌artwork.asp?id_artwork=31779&showmode=Full>. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">“An Introduction to the Old Testament.” //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">BBC //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2010. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/‌blogs/‌ni/‌2010/‌01/‌an_introduction_to_the_old_tes_1.html>. //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">The Joke File //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2010. <http://www.jokefile.co.uk/‌office_jokes/‌stress.html>. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">“Peter Paul Rubens.” //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Encyclopedia of World BIography //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2010. <http://www.notablebiographies.com/‌Ro-Sc/‌Rubens-Peter-Paul.html>. <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">“What would you do to your worst enemy?” //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">Soda Head //<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 115%;">. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2010. <http://www.sodahead.com/‌living/‌what-would-you-do-to-your-worst-enemy/‌question-522537/‌?link=ibaf&imgurl=http://2.bp.blogspot.com/‌_6mSflYbcDno/‌SN0lTXb9AUI/‌AAAAAAAAAQg/‌WYACJ1Yohc8/‌s400/‌blood_stained_knife.jpg&q=knife%2Bwith%2Bblood>. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Helvetica,sans-serif;">