Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained
HAZARDS OF HOLINESS: 1. THE BEHEADING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, by WILLIAM EVERSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography | ||||||||
"Hazards of Holiness: 1. The Beheading of John the Baptist" is a poem by William Everson that was first published in his collection "The Veritable Years: Poems 1949-1966" in 1968. The poem is a retelling of the biblical story of John the Baptist's beheading, exploring the theme of martyrdom and the dangers that come with living a life of faith. Explanation: The poem describes the events leading up to John the Baptist's beheading, including his imprisonment and eventual execution. The speaker reflects on the nature of martyrdom and the ways in which faith can bring both danger and redemption. The poem also explores the theme of the sacrifices that must be made in order to live a life of faith, as well as the transformative power of martyrdom. Poetic Elements:
Conclusion: "Hazards of Holiness: 1. The Beheading of John the Baptist" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of faith and the dangers that come with living a life of conviction. The poem's use of vivid imagery, allusion, and introspection creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the biblical story, while its underlying theme of the transformative power of sacrifice underscores the value of holding true to one's beliefs even in the face of adversity. Poem Snippet: "And thus he goes, disheveled in the dust, all selfhood lost, all confidence undone; but in the end his triumph will be just, and of his death a new world shall be won.” Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FRANCIS II, KING OF NAPLES; SONNET by AMY LOWELL THE AWAKENING by EDGAR LEE MASTERS MUSIC AND MEMORY by JOHN ALBEE POE'S COTTAGE AT FORDHAM by JOHN HENRY BONER THE CORAL GROVE by JAMES GATES PERCIVAL SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 14. 'I LOVE THEE' by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |
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