The archetype, prophecy and fulfillment, is demonstrated in Jean Stafford's "The Liberation" and in the life of Moses, as recorded in the Bible. This archetype involves the prediction of an occurrence, and then it occurring. Polly, of "The Liberation", and Moses have many similar experiences when they must confront their family and deliver important news.Polly had the unfortunate task of telling her elderly aunt and uncle that she was getting married to a man in Boston. She knew that she would be viewed as a traitor to her family for leaving her hometown. Previous deserters were "spoken of thereafter as if they were unredeemed, treasonous, and debauched" (Stafford 71). Polly knew her aunt and uncle would pull out all the stops to try and get her to reconsider her actions. In short, making her feel as though she was betraying her ancestors. Upon approaching the house, she sat and planned out what she would say to convince them. Polly was nervous and unsure of herself, but knew she had to tell them, or she would never have another chance at happiness.Moses was given a message from the Lord through the burning bush (Leeming 249). He was told to return to Egypt and to free his people from captivity. Moses showed his uneasiness, but God pushed him and reassured him that he would be by his side. However, He continued on to say that He knew Pharaoh would not let the Israelites go and that He would "stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt will all my wonders" (Leeming 250). Moses did as the Lord told him and confronted Pharaoh, someone he considered family for many years. Moses pleaded with Pharaoh to release the slaves. But as the Lord predicted, Pharaoh did not listen and Egypt was now subject to the wrath of God. He watched as the plagues destroyed the vast Egyptian Empire and a sense of betrayal to his "family" swept over him, but he knew this was as it should be.Moses and Polly had to confront those closest to them and they w...
