The Exorcist

      
The Exorcist
by William Peter Blatty
read: 2013

In The Crucible , characters are accused of witchcraft even though to a modern reader it's obvious there's no such thing. In The Exorcist, the characters assume there's no such thing even though it turns out Regan MacNeil really is possessed by a demon. Initially, the doctors are skeptical even of a psychological issue, preferring to focus on physical problems. Ultimately, a Catholic priest is called, but he too is a skeptic, struggling with his faith.

The theme that resonated me in the novel wasn't faith, however, but duty. Even though Damien isn't sure whether he believes in God, he takes his responsibilities seriously, barely sleeping, doing everything he can for Regan and Chris, pushing the church for an exorcism, and even helping the family cover up a crime. I was left with the impression that this sense of duty ultimately led to him finding his faith. At no point does he pray for guidance or the strength to do what he needs to do, but he receives it anyway. Ultimately, I think he realizes that.