The Power of Temptation

Chizmar demonstrates the power of temptation as he describes the different ways Gwendy avoided the enticement to use the box to solve the problems in her life. Gwendy is tempted to use the box to bring her husband home from Timor safely. In the face of a president who is using his power to draw the United States into war, Gwendy considers destroying a threatening country. Gwendy additionally considers getting revenge on some of her personal enemies using the box.

During one of Gwendy’s discussions with the box, Gwendy senses the box telling her how easy it would be for her to end the troubles in Timor and bring her husband home. “Before she realizes what she’s saying: ‘What’s that? You can help me get Ryan home?’” (136). Gwendy knows she could wish for the box to destroy the rebel forces...