Content Analysis

Although religious medieval manuscripts often were straightforward in their representations of biblical doctrine or stories, the illuminations were more symbolic and open to interpretation. The Vast Army employs a similar symbolic tone in its text, akin to medieval manuscript illumination. Instead of being a conventional Christian story, the book is allegorical, with the underlying message on the importance of having faithfulness in God.

A religious allegory is a narrative device where the story's events are intended to symbolize a deeper religious significance. In The Vast Army, three young boys are chosen by a messenger to command an army on behalf of a kind but enigmatic king whom few have seen. 

In the novel, the benevolent King is meant to represent Christ as being the commander and defender of his heavenly army. The messenger who appoints the three boys is representative of the Holy Spirit and his role as a divine messenger to mankind. The three boys are meant to symbolize the holy trinity of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit. Further, the Bible scripture "no weapon formed against me shall prosper" (Isaiah 54:17) is frequently quoted by the characters throughout the book when they are in danger, which demonstrates the novel's religious undertones.