Hinds’ Feet on High Places

“‘The Lord God maketh my feet like hinds’ feet, and setteth me upon mine High Places.’ (Ps. 18:33 and Hab. 3:19).”

This quote from the Hebrew Scriptures gives the book its title and gives the motivation to the main character in her journey. The vocabulary is repeated often throughout the narrative as Much-Afraid’s desire to be given hinds’ feet stems not only from her own debilitations but from her desire to follow the Shepherd on his journeys. Additionally, it sets the stage well for the tale that is to follow, being as it is a biblical allegory.

“Most earnestly she longed to be completely delivered from these shortcomings and to be made beautiful, gracious, and strong as were so many of the Shepherd’s other workers, and above all to be made like the Chief Shepherd himself.”

Much-Afraid not only is naturally fearful but is also troubled by her physical disabilities, which make it difficult to walk, let alone to run or jump or climb. Additionally, she seems incapable of smiling due to the shape of her mouth, and so in her attraction to the Shepherd, she naturally desires to be made strong like the rest of his servants and, ultimately, like the Shepherd himself. The drive to be made in the likeness is a driving force in the narrative, and one that ultimately is satisfied by the gift of Grace and Glory’s new name and new physical likeness.