Mr. Eko's final backstory.
After watching again recently, I found a concept that really jumped out at me. When people die on the island, it typically coincides with a moment of moment of repentance or understanding of one's self. Of course we also see situations where its as if the island has decided its time for an individual to die. So how does Eko factor into this?
To me, this question began with Eko's Church. He builds a church to atone for Yemi's church, violated through murder. The thing is...he never really finished building it. Instead he felt called (by Yemi) to help Locke (find the question mark). Does the fact he never finished the church weigh in on his death?
Also, we know that although Eko gives his "confession," he never repents for his life's actions. No sense of guilt or remorse, only acting on his own survival. Then Yemi/the island/Smoky kills Eko. In "Meet Kevin Johnson" Tom tells Michael the island won't let him die. This implies he has something left to accomplish or atone for. Because Eko never repents, its as if the island wants nothing to do with him, as he only lives for himself. I parallel this to Locke's statement to Charlie (Season 1) "if you give up something to the island, it will give back." So could it be assumed if you are unwilling to give up [yourself] to the island, you're toast? Thoughts welcomed!
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I like your thoughts about repentance and the island.
It seems the island is a judge of sorts. It doesn't control people, but does seem to decide the fates of the people on it's soil. For example the death of Anna Lucia and Libby was not planned by the island, but taken prematurely by Michael.
However, in the death of Mr. Eko the island clearly takes his life after he decides to repent for his past sins.
In Eko's case he was unwilling to give himself to the island, so the island took his life. However, other deaths were taken either on purpose or by accident (Shannon) were not being controlled by the island.
Your assumption about giving up your life to the island or it won't give back seems to apply to some deaths, but to others it is unclear.
What is clear is what the island wants, the island gets.
Quick side note, I never thought of the church before, it does seem to be the beginning of the breaking down of Mr. Eko's decision not to repent.
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