Jayber Crow

The emergence of World War II in the story adds another historical touchstone to the narrative. Jayber has experienced the 1918 Flu Pandemic, World War I, and The Great Flood of 1937. His life is becoming a map of major world events at the beginning of the 20th century. The First World War occurred in his childhood and is a hazy memory at best, but this war arrives in the prime of his life and at a time when he is becoming more connected to the people in his community. The war threatens to injure or destroy people he has come to love like family. The propagation of war gives Jayber another opportunity to discuss his dislike of institutions, such as the government and news media. The government does not care about small towns like Port William and does not resist sending its young men and women off to war to be killed. Jayber’s internal conflict, however, leads him to feel he should volunteer for the war he so ardently opposes out of a sense of duty to his community. If others must serve, he must do the same. The collective sacrifice must include him. In an ironic twist, Jayber is deemed unfit to serve after his medical exam. The author makes use of circular narrative patterns to give an account of Jayber’s life. Like his failed calling to be a pastor, he has now failed the calling to be a soldier. Whether by fate or circumstance, Jayber is destined to stay in Port William. Though he never becomes a pastor or heroic soldier, Jayber’s role in the community during wartime is no less important. He becomes a source of friendship and comfort to those who have lost loved ones, and his barbershop becomes a hospital for the brokenhearted.

Jayber still feels as though he lives on the fringes of society, and Cecelia Overhold becomes a living reminder of his self-doubt. She holds a strong power over those around her, making them feel small and insignificant. Similar to Troy Chatham, Cecelia is the antithesis of all that Jayber sees as valuable in a human. Additionally, she is cruel to her husband, a friend Jayber loves. Jayber has become fiercely protective of his community, and whether it be impending war or a vituperative wife, he abhors anything or anyone that threatens its integrity or unity. His relationships with women have been limited, and Jayber does not claim to be an expert nor even understand them. He knows he loved and respected his Aunt Cordie, and he cannot deny his infatuation with Mattie. Cecelia Overhold is hostile, belittling, and the complete opposite of what he loves about the other women in his world.

The only relationship in his life more complicated than those with women is Jayber’s association with religion. In another ironic turn, Jayber, the failed minister, becomes a church steward who digs graves, cleans the building, and rings the bell. Though not the high-profile position of the pastor, Jayber sees his church duties as no less sacred. He considers it an honor to cover the bodies of the townsfolk, some for whom he has come to care deeply. Jayber may not fully accept the fire and brimstone teaching from the pulpit, but he is overcome with love and tenderness for the communion of the saints. He sees more divinity in the humble, agrarian lifestyles they live than in the words of the sermons. It is no coincidence that Jayber reconnects with the church through the hard work of cleaning it, managing its burial grounds, and clanging the sonorous bell. In a way, he creates his kind of religion and is happy to practice it among his brothers and sisters, even if they may differ in interpretation. The title “The Beautiful Shore” is taken from the lyrics of “In The Sweet By and By,” a popular Christian hymn that speaks of the unity all believers will find in Heaven. Its lyrics paired with Jayber’s mystical vision of Heaven show a unified body worshipping not in a building but along the banks of a river, a true paradise for the narrator.