[Pirate]

I never really believed Eli’s religious conviction. Tell tale signs were in the way he treated his father, Daniel, and really anyone who took money out the church’s (i.e., his) pocket. But, for me, the final proof was in the way he admits his fraud. Eli’s eyes are smiling as if to say "yes, I'll let you, opposing-yet- kindred spirit, behind the curtain just this once." And then, of course, when Daniel explains that the Oil is gone, Eli tries to crawl back into his disguise, but it’s too late—and, obviously, useless to plead such a case to Daniel.

Another area that I think would be good for discussion is whether or not Paul Sunday existed. I think it may be giving the character of Eli too much credit for him to be both, and to have convinced his family to keep quiet about his dual roles—but there are a lot of people who believe otherwise. I can’t say I’ve made up my mind either way.