But you can see "The Road" (if you're a sissy)

So I saw the movie version of The Road at a special preview screening for pastors (more on that when I feel like ranting). Interestingly, I found it less disturbing than the book. One reason for this is that even a two-hour film cannot convey the impression of weariness and long-suffering which a novel (even one not much over 200 pages) can. It just moved too quickly to get under one's skin. Additionally, at least one of the most horrifying vignettes was left out. This is disappointing from a thematic perspective, since it provided a counterpoint to the relationship of the main characters. (And no, I'm not going to tell you what it was. I have some sense of decency left.)

The real absence, however, was McCarthy's prose. His lean style creates the false impression he is merely describing situations and events which can then be captured on film. But the style itself creates a framework for interpretation.

Once again, a major book but a minor film.

To lack heart

The phrase "one who lacks heart" to describe a class of fool first shows up about two-thirds of the way through the prologue to Proverbs (Proverbs 1-9), and then occasionally through the rest of the book. I find the phrase particularly evocative, if somewhat elusive. It suggests the fool is lacking some essential component of personality, or even humanity. If "heart, soul, strength" refers to the whole person (Deuteronomy 6:5), then the fool, by his wicked choices, has rendered himself incapable of loving the Lord.

Make of that suggestion what you like, but I think you'll agree the expression is challenging and provokes reflection and meditation, as the Proverbs are intended to do. I'm disappointed, then, to turn to the standard English versions and find they choose to translate "one who lacks heart" as "one without understanding." I think that's true, to be sure, but I also think that unnecessarily limits the range of meaning and association possible in the original choice of words.

This is an excellent illustration of my major complaint against paraphrase in Bible translations (especially those claiming to be literal, "essentially" or otherwise). The practice shuts out legitimate interpretive options and deprives the reader of the Scriptures' literary richness.