Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Abraham" is a poem by Delmore Schwartz, first published in 1948. The poem is named after the biblical figure Abraham, known for his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God's command. Schwartz uses Abraham as a symbol for the struggle between faith and doubt, obedience and rebellion.

Explanation: 

The poem opens with an image of Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac on the mountain, questioning whether he is truly obedient to God's command. The speaker then reflects on his own struggles with faith and doubt, wondering if he can ever truly believe in something without questioning it. He questions whether doubt is a necessary part of faith, or if it is a sign of weakness.

The speaker then turns his attention to the modern world, noting that the struggles between faith and doubt are still relevant today. He reflects on the horrors of war and the difficulty of finding meaning in a world that seems to lack purpose. He questions whether God is still present in the world or if he has abandoned it.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Abraham" is a free-verse poem, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme.
• Imagery: The poem makes use of vivid imagery, such as the image of Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac and the description of war as a "stained and bloody river."
• Allusion: The poem alludes to the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac, as well as to other religious and philosophical texts.

Conclusion: 

"Abraham" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that explores the struggle between faith and doubt, obedience and rebellion. Through the use of vivid imagery and allusion, Schwartz raises questions about the nature of belief and the role of doubt in our lives. The poem is a powerful meditation on the difficulties of finding meaning in a world that can often seem chaotic and meaningless.

Poem Snippet:

"The knife is sharp, the wood is dry,

But where is the lamb that we must offer?

We have not seen it anywhere, my son, my only son."

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