Introduction Summary

The reader learns that the main character has only a short time to live and is being sent on his assignment because it offers a tremendous learning opportunity. The bishop does not want to tell the young vicar about his illness because he believes knowledge of his illness would have too much impact on the rest of the vicar's life.

Introduction Analysis

The short introductory paragraphs give the reader a different perspective on the main character before even learning his name. He is dying and does not know it yet. He is being sent on a difficult, remote assignment because it offers him the chance to learn enough in the short span of time he has left on the earth. The reader begins the novel looking to see what the protagonist will learn as well as following the plot line of actions.