← All themes
The Bridge of San Luis Rey · Theme
The Search for Meaning
How The Bridge of San Luis Rey develops The Search for Meaning.
Brother Juniper's six-year investigation to find a pattern in the victims' lives mirrors humanity's broader struggle to impose order and significance on random tragedy, ultimately questioning whether such meaning can be proven.
Where it surfaces
- Part One: Perhaps an Accident
Brother Juniper's investigation reflects a human desire to find pattern and purpose in seemingly random tragedy.
- Part Five: Perhaps an Intention
Brother Juniper seeks proof of faith through data; the Abbess finds meaning in love despite the apparent futility of her work.