Question

Humanism, endurance, kindness, purity in public life are some qualities in the character of the Bishop that make him a perfect human being. Do you agree? What do you learn from his life?

Answer 1

The Bishop was, as Persome his sister says in the play, “The best man in all France”. He was an epitome of all the virtues and qualities mentioned in the question.  He was a true Bishop indeed. He followed Jesus Christ’s teachings of love, charity, benevolence, and forgiveness in true spirit. He helped his parishioners. Jesus laid stress on giving to the needy and the poor in his Gospel. So, when the Bishop sold salt-cellars to pay Mere Gringoire's rent, who was ill, he actually tried to follow one of the most important teachings of Jesus Christ. His encounter with the convict was the litmus test of his virtues, which he passed with flying colours. His patience, love, care, and magnanimity transformed the beast-like convict into a good human being. The Bishop’s character stands till today an epitome of all virtues which each and every person should try to emulate.

From his life we learn that we should adopt Bishop-like outlook on life. We should also treat people with sympathy, care, and respect.