Cultural Values

In the Messenger the culture values of Village are that flaws are valued and being given your "true" name. In the text it says, "But here in Village, marks and failing were not considered flaws at all. They were valued."  (Lowry, chap 1). This shows how Village believes that the flaws all of the inhabitants have are valuable in their own way. Also, the text says, "The schoolteacher, though his true name was Mentor, was sometimes affectionately called 'Rosy' by the children because of the crimson birthmark that spread across his face. Children loved him." (Lowry, chap 1).  Now, this shows how the flaws were appreciated by children and many people of the community.  The novel now says, "The blind man had been given the true name Seer and was respected for the special vision that he had behind is ruined eyes." (Lowry, chap 1).  This quote shows how people of Village are given their "true" name, which is based off of their abilities. All of these quotes are notable in the novel since they show what type of community Village is. They also show how Village starts off as a perfect community that helps and cares for everyone.