The Ikon of Elijah story
Antiques dealer Carpius visits a monastery in order to steal a valuable icon. When Carpius kills the monk who is guarding the icon, the abbot forgives him, but says that he must stay with the icon for the rest of his life, praying for absolution. Directed by: Paul Almond. Story by: Avram Davidson, Norah Perez & Victor Wolfson.
11 total · 7 major · 4 minor
| Theme | Level | Motivation |
|---|---|---|
| Christianity | major | The story is largely set in a Christian monastery. The prophet Elijah was discussed in an Orthodox Christian context. |
| facing life in captivity | major | The story concluded with Carpius being locked in a cell for the remainder of his earthly existence. |
| man and mistress | major | The story somewhat concerned Carpius and the avaricious woman he kept. The theft and murder he ended up committing were arguably because of her avarice. |
| monasticism | major | There was a Christian monk and a monastery. |
| murder | major | The conclusion of the story was that Carpius ended locked up for life in a monastery because he'd killed a monk who was the guardian the Ikon of Elijah. |
| religious occupation | major | There were several monks, and an abbot. |
| theft | major | Carpius plotted to steal a holy icon. |
| archaeology | minor | In his sketch, Alfred Hitchcock was poking around in and old tomb with a spade. |
| gold digging | minor | Carpius' female companion was notably avaricious and made clear that she would leave him unless he started pulling in more riches for her. |
| interest in antiques | minor | Carpius' customers were seen to be somewhat interested in his curious old artifacts. |