Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Unreasonable Reason" by Joseph Beaumont is a warning to all Christian souls to beware of the devil's tricks. Joseph Beaumont (1616-1699) was an English poet and academic. "Unreasonable Reason" was published in 1653.

The opening lines, "ALL Christian Soules beware; “Hell never went / More politickly clad, Nor wiselyer bent," set the tone for the poem's message. The devil is portrayed as cunning and deceitful, dressed in his most persuasive arguments to lure believers away from the path of righteousness.

The poem is written in a dramatic and allegorical style, with Reason and Unreason engaging in a dialogue that reveals the dangers of falling for the devil's seductive reasoning. Reason represents the logical and rational approach to faith, while Unreason represents the temptations and distractions that lead Christians astray.

Throughout the poem, Beaumont employs various poetic devices, including alliteration, metaphor, and personification, to emphasize the contrasts between Reason and Unreason. The poem also features a rhythmic and rhyming structure that adds to its dramatic impact. The poem is written in rhymed couplets, with a regular iambic pentameter meter. The rhythmic and rhyming structure of the poem is typical of the heroic couplet, which was a popular form of poetry in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In conclusion, "Unreasonable Reason" by Joseph Beaumont is a powerful warning to Christians to remain vigilant against the devil's temptations. Through its use of allegory and poetic devices, the poem emphasizes the importance of reason and logic in the face of seductive and unreasonable arguments.