Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem begins with the iconic image of the Prodigal Son, a symbol of rebellion and subsequent repentance, but Bly quickly grounds this figure in a vividly real and tactile environment—"kneeling in the husks." This setting, among the remnants of wasted abundance, reflects the son's state of degradation and his moment of realization. The reference to a dying man's plea to a doctor introduces a theme of desperation and the fear of mortality, linking the son's spiritual death to physical demise and highlighting the raw human instinct for survival.

As the son kneels, his reflections transport him beyond his immediate surroundings to "the smoke of ships / floating off the isles of Tyre and Sidon," suggesting a longing for distant places and perhaps a reminiscence of his journeys before his fall. This imagery also evokes the trading ships of ancient civilizations, hinting at the passage of time and the continuation of life's cycles across generations—"and father beyond father beyond father."

Bly then shifts to another scene of generational conflict, where an old man being dragged by his son pleads for mercy based on the limit set by his own treatment of his father. This anecdote serves as a powerful commentary on the transmission of behaviors and attitudes through generations, revealing the often unconscious ways in which familial patterns are perpetuated.

The mention of Bly's own father introduces a personal dimension to the poem, emphasizing the difficulty of acknowledging and confronting these inherited patterns. The act of "bending the head, looking into the water" symbolizes introspection and the search for understanding, which is both a personal and a collective human endeavor. The underwater door that "the pigs have gone through" suggests that there are paths and truths beneath the surface of our awareness, accessible only through deep reflection and humility.

"The Prodigal Son" is a meditation on the complexities of forgiveness, the burdens of legacy, and the human capacity for change. Bly uses the familiar biblical narrative as a springboard to explore the intricacies of the father-son relationship, the weight of familial expectations, and the possibility of reconciliation and renewal. Through this poem, Bly invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the cycles they perpetuate, offering a poignant reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and self-awareness in the journey toward healing and redemption.

POEM TEXT: https://thevalueofsparrows.wordpress.com/2014/03/26/poetry-poems-on-wayward-children-et-alia/

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