Orbiting Jupiter

Ritual is an integral part of Jack’s story. By the time Joseph arrives to live with the Hurds, ritual already dictates much of Jack’s life. His farm chores imply that routine is important to Jack and his family. Mr. Hurd and Jack start every day by milking their cows, and on Joseph’s first day in the Hurd house, Jack shows him how to carry out these rituals. While Joseph is unsuccessful at first, he learns to accept these rituals as part of his own daily life.

The Hurds perform seasonal rituals, as well. They skate on the frozen pond in winter and cut down a Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. The tree’s ornaments are also part of their winter rituals, and every year, Jack receives a new angel ornament. In each case, the Hurds welcome Joseph into their rituals during his time with them. Mrs. Hurd insists that the family attend Christmas Eve church services yearly, as well. This service proves pivotal to Joseph’s growth; here, he hears the story of Mary and Joseph, which resonates with him.

Jack and Joseph build their own rituals together as they grow closer. Their morning walks to school afford the boys time together without the presence of anyone else. This time together leads to the formation of their most prevalent ritual: “After that, we walked to school together every day […] We’d stop at old First Congregational to clang the bell” (17). Jack and Joseph’s ritual of throwing stones and snowballs at the church bell invites Jack into Joseph’s world.

Joseph also stands by the boys’ bedroom window every night to spot the planet Jupiter in the sky. Jack is an observer to this ritual for much of the novel, but his decision to join Joseph at the window comes after their fight with Jay. Joining the fight is Jack’s first active step as a protagonist, and it illustrates the responsibility he feels for Joseph’s well-being. Joseph, standing at the window that night, acknowledges this and thanks Jack.

Orbiting Jupiter contains several allusions and parallels to Christian faith, making the theme of religion a significant one to the novel as a whole. Many tenets of Christian faith play roles in the novel, and redemption, resurrection, and sacrifice are among them. Readers know that the Hurds are followers of Christian faith due to their observation of two important Christian holidays: Christmas and Easter.

Joseph’s story is a tale of redemption. Before he can achieve his goal of finding Jupiter, he must overcome his past. The Hurds shepherd him on this journey; they welcome him into their family and their rituals, offering him another chance at a stable life. Given this chance, Joseph corrects his mistakes. The supportive relationships he builds with Coach Swieteck, Mr. D’Ulney, and Mrs. Halloway counter Joseph’s attack on the Stone Mountain teacher, for example.

Religious leaders provide Joseph with strength and knowledge at two critical moments. Reverend Ballou relates the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph during his Christmas Eve service, which has a significant impact on Joseph. In Orbiting Jupiter, Joseph, Maddie, and Jupiter parallel Biblical characters Joseph, Mary, and Jesus—to the extent that their names even start with the same letters. After he hears the story, the faithful Hurd family aids Joseph in his quest to find Jupiter. As well, on his trek to Brunswick, a winter storm puts Joseph in physical danger. He seeks safety in a Baptist church. The church’s pastor, Pastor Greenleaf, provides Joseph with the food that allows him to continue his journey.

Death and birth highlight the religious theme of resurrection. In Christian belief, Jesus dies and comes back to life on Easter. In Orbiting Jupiter, Maddie dies while bringing her child into the world, and her legacy and memory continue after her death. Similarly, the Hurds bring Jupiter into their family after Joseph’s death. She fills his role in the family when he is gone.

In the New Testament of the Bible, Jesus’s crucifixion is sacrificial. This act dissolves the sins of his followers and assures them eternal life after death. Joseph makes a sacrifice of his own in the climax of Orbiting Jupiter. When Brook threatens Jackson with his gun, Joseph gives up his own safety to protect his foster brother. The choice results in his death, but it ensures Jack’s survival. Jesus and Joseph both make this choice in their respective stories, proving their love for others.

Angel imagery is prevalent in the novel, reinforcing the religious theme with their presence. After the Christmas Eve service, Joseph shows his skepticism of the existence of angels. Though Joseph is unconvinced, several characters in the novel take the role of guardian angels who help Joseph through the most difficult parts of his journey. These angels include the Hurds, his teachers, and Pastor Greenleaf.