I decided to look at characters, and their traits, specifically Coriantumr
2. Passage Analyzed
I analyzed within my section (Ether 9-15) specifically Ether 13:15-20 because there are many phrases referring to Coriantumr
3. Annotated Text
-Bad connotations toward Coriantumr
-Unrighteous as a king
-Unrighteous following, intent on destroying Coriantumr
-Learned in the ways of war
-Unrighteous sons and daughters
-Unrighteous Generation
-Coriantumr is unwilling to repent
5. Interpretation:
These short passages really help us understand who Coriantumr is as a ruler, as well as a family man. While most all of the people mentioned are unrighteous and a fallen people, there can be some good things said of Coriantumr. "The sons of Coriantumr fought much and bled much." We can infer that he was at the very least, a good father, and his posterity would fight to protect or at least to help him. Being able to see somewhat how Coriantumr conducted his life is relieving in light of all of the wars and bloodshed that follow. Another interesting thing to note is that God does give him the chance to repent, and see the errors of his ways. Whether this means God is good, or maybe alludes to the fact that Coriantumr isn't as bad as he seems is not readily apparent.
6. Connections / Questions:
Are all major characters in the Book of Mormon, even the bad ones, inherently good? From this question come many thoughts such as were Laman, Lemuel and even Laban good people? From this I believe we can introduce a bit of our beliefs as Latter-Day-Saints and say that deep down, every person is good, but due to agency and bad choices, that good part is not readily visible.
While not expressly stated in the book, we can infer or guess that most every character has some part good in them, and we know that at a young age they were good people. The other thing I have mentioned already, is that God loves us all, and wants us to be good such as when he gave Coriantumr the chance to repent. This overlying theme appears multiple times within the book.
Perspective can really change the way a character is portrayed. Sometimes when I read 1 Nephi I think to myself that Laman and Lemuel kinda had a point when they complained about their brother. Of course, they did beat him, which is extreme, but it's interesting to try to look through a different lens and frame of reference, like you have done here with Coriantumr.
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