Coen Brothers' O' Brother, Where Art Thou? Uses Biblical Narrative

Religion is primarily about mankind's quest for answers in the Coen Brother's film, "O' Brother, Where Art Thou?' Biblical references are relied on to add structure and significance to the work. The audience is witness to characters that seek meaning through redemption, greed, and exclusion. However, these characters only find themselves becoming models of a warped detraction of a Christian worldview.

Characters who seek redemption through cultic ritual are mocked by the Coen Brothers. When a singing congregation passes the newly escaped convicts, Everett remarks, "they must be looking for answers." This phrase will repeat itself several times before the film's conclusion; thus becoming key in the structure of the narrative. The communicants proceed to sing and are dunked by a man into the water of a river, supposedly an act of baptism and redemption mirroring the acts of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist. Delmar and Pete are quick to follow suit, thinking the act will spare their immortal souls and "wash away their sings and transgressions." Obviously, this act does not matter in reality, for they are sill wanted by the law, as Everett is quick to point out. He states, "Baptism! You two are dumber than a bag of hammers. Well, I guess you're my cross to bear." The Coens, by choosing Everett to be the most intelligent character of the three, are showing that folly of some of the Christian churches' practices, and how a dip in the river will not give anyone answers.