GROUP 3 | Persian Literature Roleplay
Year and Section: BSIT 4A
Subject & EDP Code: LIT 11 - 83944
Time Schedule: TTH 10:30 – 11:30
Instructor: Mr. Ryan Samuel C. Saberon
Summary
"The Faith of the Starving Man" tells the story of a devout but starving man who refuses to
abandon his faith, believing it will sustain him despite his hunger. He faces disbelief and mockery
from others, including a wealthy merchant, a doubting scholar, and a cynical passerby, who
challenge his steadfast trust. Kind-hearted villagers attempt to help him, while his unwavering faith
ultimately brings unexpected aid. The story examines themes of faith, compassion, skepticism, and
resilience in the face of hardship, highlighting the power of belief and the value of empathy.
Setting
Time Period: Ancient Persia
Locations: A humble village square outside the Starving Man’s hut, symbolizing simplicity and
resilience amidst hardship. Various characters visit this public yet intimate space, each bringing
their own beliefs and intentions.
Theme
The main themes include:
Faith and Resilience: The story explores the depth of one’s faith and the inner strength it provides,
especially when all seems lost.
Empathy and Generosity: Acts of kindness arise from compassion, showing the importance of
helping those in need.
Skepticism vs. Belief: Characters reflect contrasting perspectives on faith, challenging whether
belief alone is enough to sustain someone in hardship.
Characters
Starving Man: A deeply faithful and calm man who is devoted to his beliefs, holding onto them
even while starving.
Wealthy Merchant: Skeptical and dismissive, believes wealth and hard work are more practical
than faith.
Kind Villager: Generous and empathetic, values helping others and offers the Starving Man food.
Pious Beggar: A fellow believer who shares the Starving Man’s faith, bringing moral support.
Doubting Scholar: Logical and questioning, sees faith as impractical and believes action is
necessary for survival.
Young Child: Curious and innocent, offers a small, heartfelt gift, embodying pure compassion.
Cynical Passerby: Mocking and doubtful, regards the Starving Man’s faith as foolish.
Village Leader: Wise and reflective, balances respect for the Starving Man’s faith with practical
concerns.
Mysterious Visitor: An enigmatic figure who, in the end, brings the much-needed sustenance,
symbolizing divine or fateful intervention.
Conflict
Internal Conflict: The Starving Man’s struggle is an inner test of faith, resisting doubt and despair
despite his physical suffering.
External Conflict: He faces disbelief and scorn from others, challenging him to stand firm in his
beliefs as they ridicule and question his faith.
Plot
1. Exposition: The Starving Man sits outside his hut, holding onto his faith despite his hunger.
2. Rising Action: Villagers and travelers pass by, offering a mix of empathy, skepticism, and
mockery. Some bring food and encouragement, while others scoff at his refusal to abandon his faith.
3. Climax: The Starving Man, weary yet unshaken, reaffirms his belief that he will be provided for,
despite mounting doubt from those around him.
4. Falling Action: The Village Leader, witnessing the unwavering faith, urges the villagers to
reconsider their judgments. As tensions ease, a Mysterious Visitor arrives.
5. Resolution: The Visitor provides the Starving Man with a meal, fulfilling his faith. The doubters
fall silent, and the villagers reflect on the man’s resilience and their own beliefs.
Point of View
The story is told from a third-person limited perspective, primarily focusing on the Starving Man’s
thoughts and feelings. This perspective allows the audience to experience his unwavering faith and
the personal trials it endures, drawing them into a deep empathy with his inner strength.
