Martyrdom and Its Meaning
Silence (Library Edition)The different forms of martyrdom in the novel and their significance.
increasing
Bearing strength in each event
decreasing
Bearing strength in each eventdecreasingTraditional Martyrdom
Traditional Martyrdom
The Glorious Death
Mokichi, Ichizo, and Garrpe died heroically. They were strong and did not waver. Their deaths were like the saints in stories.
The Wretched Reality
Rodrigues saw their suffering as miserable, not glorious. The rain and sea were indifferent.
Significance
The Martyrdom of Apostasy
The Martyrdom of Apostasy
Living Death
Rodrigues and Ferreira lived a life of shame and utility. Their apostasy was a kind of martyrdom—a living sacrifice for others.
The Hidden Faith
They kept the faith in their hearts. Their external conformity was a form of love.
Significance
Throughout the story
After Rodrigues' fall, 1638
