Theo of Golden

In Theo of Golden, the portraits displayed at the Chalice coffee shop function as symbols of recognition and personal transformation. These pencil drawings have been meticulously crafted by artist Asher Glissen, and they soon become the catalyst for Theo’s mission of bestowing each portrait upon its subject. As Theo’s “bestowals” help people to perceive the very best of themselves, the portraits come to symbolize the inherent value and dignity of each person depicted. As Theo observes, “Every portrait has been, in a very real sense, an Advent, a Christmas, a giving of life” (319). 

When Theo studies each portrait before a bestowal, he studies his impressions of each subject’s intangible essence. His perception often focuses on spiritual potential, and he tells recipients that they are “capable of saintliness” (271). This phrase recurs throughout the novel, and Theo’s ritual of studying the faces in the portraits becomes symbolic of his deep recognition of every aspect of the human condition. The portraits thus collectively represent Theo’s belief that affirming another person’s true nature can transform them. The portraits also symbolize the redemptive power of art, symbolizing people’s need for external validation and recognition. As each recipient experiences a strong emotional reaction to the meeting, Levi repeatedly highlights