Gomer and Her Family

Figure Analysis

Hosea monologues in the name of God for 14 chapters, but no other creature is stirring, not even his spouse. This blush-free bride is a silent but sexual free spirit named Gomer, who may or may not have been a literal prostitute or even a literal person. Their kids don’t do anything besides get names that say how much God hates them. They are, in short, props who got no props. Hosea (or God) lures her back with sweet talk and figs, and she becomes a faithful spouse again and the children are welcomed back.