The idea of pilgrimage seems a medieval, archaic way of coping with sin. Traveling far distances on foot to get atonement for one’s sins seems like a waste. Does it really do away with sins? In The Ramsey Scallop by Frances Temple set in the year 1299 fourteen year old Elinor and her twenty-two year old fiance Thomas have the same worries as they are sent on a pilgrimage from their home in England to Spain to get atonement for their village’s sins. Father Gregory, who sends them on the trip, says that, “One can walk away one’s sins.” Elinor and Thomas wonder if this is really true. Both Elinor and Thomas find that, though the sins probably aren’t forgiven by atonement, a pilgrimage can be a good way to connect with people, learn about God and religion, and renew one’s spirit.

Before they are sent on the pilgrimage, Elinor and Thomas are distressed and anxious, like the people of their village, and disgusted at the idea of getting married, especially to each other. Once married, they will be Lord and Lady who will govern over the village and surrounding farms. This thought is distasteful to both alike, and they would like nothing better than to ignore each other. However, they are forced to interact on their pilgrimage. As their journey progresses, they begin to soften towards each other. During difficult situations, they find themselves leaning on each other for support, and even finding satisfaction in comforting one another. As the dangers get more extreme, and the trip continues, their admiration for each other grows. In the last few pages of the book this connection to one another brought about respect and love for each other.

Another way they connect with people is through the many different kinds of people – scholars, poets, fellow pilgrims – on their journey that they would have never met. These people help both Elinor and Thomas understand the world around them and appreciate the common person. Marthe, who pretends to be a pilgrim so she can travel safely with her three children to where her husband found work, becomes good friends with Elinor and through her friendship teaches Elinor about compassion. When Marthe and her husband are reunited, Elinor gives up her beloved horse so that the family may have some money to buy a cottage for themselves. Etienne, a man who was challenged to fight with knowledge instead of violence, constantly debates with Thomas making him think beyond his own desires and world. When Thomas breaks the pilgrim vow of nonviolence, his punishment is to lead a group of fifty pilgrims for several weeks. Thrown into leadership, Thomas rises to the challenge, not only acting as guide but protector. Elinor, too, finds ways to help, keeping the weak going, carrying small children, and making sure that everyone is fine. Through all these connections with people Elinor and Thomas learn valuable lessons that make them become the Lord and Lady they were born to be.

Besides connecting with people, Elinor and Thomas also learn about God and religious matters. Before she left England, Elinor mocked the priest and some of the fathers at her church calling them “Doomsdayers”; she believed their long prayers, loud sermons, and dark garments to be sorrowful and drab. However, she begins to question her quick judgment during the pilgrimage. Were the Doomsdayers trying to make a point? Were they just being holy? Over their travels, Thomas and Elinor ask questions about saints, scholars, faith, and other religious topics. These questions are answered from people, such as Etienne, and through careful thinking by Thomas and Elinor. The question of whether or not physical pain, such as fasting, is pleasing to God is raised. Elinor and Thomas think differently about this topic, providing two different views. Elinor also meets a Muslim, and she asks questions about his faith. Elinor wonders if his religion is so different from Christianity and why Muslims seem to know so much about her religion, but no one she knows knows anything about theirs. All of this questioning helps Elinor and Thomas discover more about God and religion.

As previously stated, before the two left on their pilgrimage, Elinor and Thomas were distressed and anxious about what they would face when they got back: marriage, lordship and ladyship, governing over hundreds of people. Over their whole journey, different things prepare them for their life back home. Through caring for each other, they learn that marriage will not be so horrible. Through leading the other pilgrims, they both have had a taste of leadership. Everything that happens during their pilgrimage is a lesson worth their learning. All of these things gives them a new look on life and matures them. Furthermore, because of their adventure, their spirits are renewed and they are purpose driven. They are no longer stressed or wondering aimlessly about their future life. They have a new motivation to do what is their duty to the best of their ability.

Connection with people, learning about God, and the renewing of one’s spirit are three positive effects of a pilgrimage, and even though sins probably aren’t forgiven by merely going on a pilgrimage, if these three things are gained, the journey is worth the traveling. Personally, I believe that a pilgrimage is an excellent way to grow in faith, and would I were in Elinor and Thomas’ time, I would surely go on one.