Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" is a poem by Philip Sidney, a prominent Elizabethan poet, courtier, and soldier who lived from 1554 to 1586. Sidney is best known for his literary achievements, including his influential prose work, "The Defense of Poesy," and his pastoral romance, "Arcadia." He was also a prominent figure in the court of Queen Elizabeth I, serving as a diplomat and a member of her inner circle. Sidney died at the age of 32, after being wounded in battle.

Context:

"Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" was likely written in the late 1570s or early 1580s, during the Elizabethan era, a time of great cultural, political, and social change in England. The poem is based on the Biblical account of King David's lament over the deaths of King Saul and his son Jonathan, and their bodies are referred to as "the sweet singers of Israel" in the poem.

Content:

"Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" is a poem in which King David mourns the deaths of Saul and Jonathan. The poem is structured as a series of mournful speeches by David, in which he expresses his grief and admiration for the fallen kings. David laments the loss of their leadership and their friendship, and praises them as heroic and virtuous figures. The poem ends with a plea for peace and unity among the people of Israel.

Form:

"Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" is written in rhymed couplets, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The poem is divided into nine sections, each consisting of several couplets.

Poetic Elements:

"Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" makes use of several poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, repetition, and allusion. The metaphor of Saul and Jonathan as "the sweet singers of Israel" is a powerful image that emphasizes their importance and influence. The repetition of the phrase "Oh, woe is me!" creates a sense of lamentation and sorrow. The allusion to Biblical stories and figures adds to the poem's mythic and historical qualities.

Summary:

"Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" is a powerful expression of grief and mourning, and a notable example of Elizabethan poetry. The poem's use of metaphor, repetition, and allusion is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's emotions and the historical and cultural context of the poem. However, some may criticize the poem for its somewhat idealized and romanticized portrayal of the Biblical figures. Overall, "Kynge David, Hys Lament Over the Bodies of Kynge Saul of Israel" is a significant example of Sidney's poetic skill and his engagement with Biblical and historical themes.

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