Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Divine Narcissus" by Juana Inesde la Cruz is a sacramental play that intricately weaves Christian dogma with Greek mythology to present an allegorical understanding of Christ's sacrifice and resurrection. In de la Cruz's hands, the character of Narcissus, often regarded in Greek mythology as the epitome of self-love and vanity, is transformed into the "Divine Narcissus," a symbol of Christ. The characters around him - notably Human Nature, Grace, Echo, and other nymphs - all engage in a cosmic ballet that addresses themes ranging from divine love to human folly.

The Loa or prologue begins with characters representing the Western World and America, dressed as Indians, performing rituals for the god of seed-time. Their practices are interrupted by a Spanish soldier, Zeal, representing the collision of cultures and religions that took place during colonization. The action is halted by Religion, who points everyone towards the passion of the Divine Narcissus, thereby signaling that the true path to understanding divinity lies not in regional gods but in the universal figure of Christ.

The play itself unfolds as an allegory, with characters like the Hebrew and the Gentile praising the Divine Narcissus in song, while Human Nature, representing humanity, declares her love for Narcissus, illustrating our innate need to connect with the divine. The brilliance of the play lies in how de la Cruz marries the classical tale of Narcissus with the Christian story of redemption. Narcissus isn't merely a character besotted with his own image; he becomes a Christ-like figure whose 'death' in the fountain and subsequent 'resurrection' become allegorical representations of Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

Human Nature's lament serves as the crux of the emotional narrative. Her exhaustive search for her "well-desired, My loved Narcissus," reflects the human soul's yearning for divine connection. She speaks of her pilgrimage through the earth, a nod perhaps to the spiritual quest that humans undertake to find meaning. Her lInesabout being driven from his city by "the servants of his power" evoke the notion of exile from paradise, a theme that resonates deeply in Christian theology.

When Human Nature finally meets Narcissus after his 'resurrection,' her joy is palpable but short-lived as she realizes he must leave her to join his Father. Her concern that she might be destroyed by "the serpent," echoes the Biblical narrative of Adam and Eve, emphasizing humanity's vulnerability to sin. Narcissus' reassurance that he has safeguarded her reflects the Christian belief in eternal life through Christ.

The play concludes with Grace's prophetic announcement that praises the eternal and divine attributes of Narcissus, reaffirming him as the ultimate source of salvation and glory. In a masterstroke, de la Cruz employs elements from nature like "the storm-tossed plumes of ocean" and "the unceasing music of the winds" to form a celestial chorus that heralds the eternal reign of the Divine Narcissus.

In "The Divine Narcissus," Juana Inesde la Cruz offers an intellectual feast that seamlessly blends mythology, religion, history, and human emotion. It captures the complexities of the human condition, the divine mystery, and the intersectionality of cultural and spiritual values, all while providing a profound meditation on the meaning and pursuit of divine love. It is a literary achievement that echoes through the ages, as pertinent today as it was in the 17th century.

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