Conflict and Religion in the Vow, Essay Example

Kim and Krickitt Carpenter typified the all-American relationship and love story, and their long and romantic courtship and ultimate marriage is detailed in the novel The Vow. Although the readers expect a happily-ever-after ending, the couple were both almost killed in a violent car crash in 1993 just the day before Thanksgiving. When the accident took place, the Carpenters had only been wedded for three months. After the car accident, Krickitt lost all of her memory of Kim as she is unable to recollect ever meeting Kim and their romantic courtship, let alone their marriage. This stark reality is evident when Krickitt is asked who her husband is, and she replies “I am not married” (Carpenter 2). Doctors did not expect Krickitt to survive, but she survives and wakes up from a coma without any memory of her previous life, strapped with high medical bills after a long hospitalization and recovery. The novel traces Krickitt’s various struggles and conflicts recovering from being on death’s doorsteps and rekindling a desire to stay married to Kim even though the couple no longer shared their memories that bound their relationship together.  Family trauma causes immense conflict in this novel, which manifests in marital problems in Kim and Krickitt’s efforts to maintain a successful marriage despite the obstacles that they must overcome.

Kim remains steadfastly committed to Krickitt despite the fact that she no longer loved or even liked him after the dramatic car accident that claimed her memory. Through arduous hours of physical therapy, Krickitt is able to gain some of her life back, although her memory is never able to be recovered. The novel details the protracted struggles and failures in a nuanced manner, which evinces the reality that even though life is hard for the couple, they know they will not be able to solve their problems in a short period of time. Krickitt holds great resentment, frustration, and anger towards her husband, which Kim must endure on a daily basis. Krickitt turns to her Christian faith in God in order for her to find the love she had once felt for a man who was now a complete stranger to her. The Vow is based on a true story that shows how ordinary people can become heroes by doing the right thing and try to make life work regardless of how difficult life may be on a quotidian basis. Her faith in God drives her to remain true to her wedding vows, which Kim holds tight to as well. He is determined to make Krickitt fall in love with him like she did before the crash even though a litany of obstacles stand in the way of the two lovers. The Vow is a fascinating narrative about healing, survival, and taking advantage of second chances that the couple is given in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

The ultimate message of The Vow is one that is religious in nature, as Kim and Krickitt never doubt God’s plan throughout their struggles and triumphs. Conflicts arise throughout Krickitt’s recovery as a result of her loss of memory and the frustrations she faces trying to maintain her marriage to a man who is a stranger to her. This steadfast faith that God has a plan for everyone is underscored, prompting readers to ask themselves what they would do if they were in Kim and Krickitt’s position. Kim and Krickitt trusted God and stayed true to their wedding vows exhibited a perseverance in the face of adversity that is unparalleled.