The Robe: A Book Report
By Cara Lewis, 9th Grade
Lloyd C. Douglass penned one of my all time favorite novels. The title of this masterpiece is The Robe. This work of historical fiction is set during the time that Jesus came to earth until shortly after his ascension into heaven.
The Robe, centered in historic Palestine, revolves around the life of a young Roman Tribune named Marcellus Gallio. Upon his seventeenth birthday, Marcellus is granted a Corinthian slave, Demetrius, who also becomes his closest confidant and friend. Unlike most slaves, Demetrius is unequivocally faithful. He is extremely trustworthy and also very loyal to his master. If Marcellus’ life was ever in jeopardy, Demetrius would undoubtedly do all that he could to protect his master. Lloyd C. Douglass did an extraordinary job in portraying the honorable personality of Demetrius.
The author used creativity in writing the plot of this story. At the beginning of the book, Marcellus Gallio is sent to command a Roman fort, Manoa. Understandably, Demetrius goes along with his master. From there, the army transfers for a few days to the city of Jerusalem where the Jewish Passover is about to take place. While outside the city, Demetrius encounters a large crowd that seems very enthusiastic. Once he understands the reason for their excitement, Demetrius becomes confused. For an unknown reason, the crowd is calling a humble man riding into town on a donkey a king! What is even more eccentric is that the man doesn’t seem pleased with all their “worship”; but, rather, he has a sad look in his eye. This is Demetrius’ first encounter with Jesus of Nazareth, but it is not his last.
A number of days later, the same man who had received such a welcoming response is on trial for disturbing the peace and also for stirring up the public to revolt. Both Marcellus and Demetrius are present at this examination. Demetrius does not understand what is being said since the trial is held in a foreign tongue. When the trial is accomplished, Pilate, who was trying the man, orders Marcellus’ legion to crucify the accused.
At the crucifixion sight, a number of the drunken soldiers decide to throw lots for the Nazarene’s robe; Marcellus wins. Later on that evening, there is a big banquet at Pilate’s residence. While there, a Roman drunkenly urges Marcellus to put on the bloodstained robe that he had won earlier that day. Marcellus reluctantly yields. Once he puts the robe over him, Marcellus becomes very troubled in his mind. He instantly takes the garment off and orders Demetrius to dispose of it; for the first time ever, Demetrius disobeys his master and keeps the robe. After that incident, for a long time, Marcellus lives with a serious mental disturbance.
Upon returning home to Rome some time later, Marcellus’ father thinks it a good idea to send him and Demetrius away to Athens, hoping that his son might recover there. While in Athens, in total despair, Marcellus decides to commit suicide. When he goes to his slave’s bag to get a knife, he finds the robe draped over the top of the sack. Even the sight of the robe tortures Marcellus. He doesn’t want to touch it, but he has no choice if he is to go through with his suicide. Once his fingers grasp the cloth, he instantly feels a sudden peace. Amazingly, at the touch of the robe, Marcellus’ mind is restored!
Because of this mysterious healing, and also because the Emperor wants a full account of the Nazarene’s life, Marcellus decides that he will try to obtain all the information that he is able to acquire about the man that he had crucified. Before Marcellus leaves Athens, because of some unfortunate circumstances, Marcellus and Demetrius part. Since Marcellus thinks that people of Capernaum will be overly protective because he is a Roman, he goes disguised as a connoisseur of homespun materials interested in Galilean weaving. He hires a man named Justus to take him there, knowing that he is very familiar with Jesus’ story. The two men become friends, and eventually Justus learns that Marcellus is not just interested in Galilean weaving. Marcellus is then taken to many eyewitnesses of Jesus and is acquainted with many of their accounts. For a while, Marcellus has a hard time believing all the miracles that Jesus preformed, and he has an even harder time believing that He rose from the dead, but Marcellus continues on his journey.
Demetrius and Marcellus later reunite. The faithful slave has become a Christian! He introduces Marcellus to his good friend named Stephanos. Later, it is the death of this disciple that convinces Marcellus of the genuineness of Jesus Christ. Marcellus’ life is never the same after witnessing this martyr’s last moments.
After his conversion, Marcellus transforms a dirty town full of hate into a wonderful community. He does this though his attractive mannerism because of what Christ has done in his life. He tells the people all about what Jesus did during his life in ministry, and they welcome this changed man with much sincerity.
Once you have read this story, I believe that you will desire to read it over and over. The Robe is written incredibly well, and I think the author really got the message across that he wanted the reader to understand. He really portrayed how great of an impact Jesus’ life can have on people, and then, in turn, how strong an impact a changed believer can have on the world. I highly recommend this book full of adventure, romance, and faith to mature readers of any kind. This story of a young man searching for the truth of the One’s life who had an astounding impact on the world was beautifully written. It will bring tears to your eyes as you read about how the life of this Nazarene changes the lives of others. Read it and believe!