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A SONG OF DEGREES, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"A Song of Degrees" by Geoffrey Hill is a deeply reflective and thematically complex poem that explores the intersection of divine proclamation, human interpretation, and the persistent human condition of struggle and betrayal. The poem employs rich biblical allusions and a somber tone to convey its meditation on faith and spiritual commitment.

The poem opens with the assertion that "Adonai your hidden word declares itself / even from obscurity / through energies dispersed." Here, "Adonai," a Hebrew name for God, suggests the divine presence and voice that reveals itself subtly, even in obscurity. The "energies dispersed" imply a divine influence that permeates the world, often unnoticed but profoundly impactful. This sets the stage for the theme of divine communication being interwoven with human experience and interpretation.

The phrase "fallen upon stasis / brought by strangers to interpretation" suggests that divine messages often come to a standstill, requiring human beings—often those not directly initiated into the mysteries (strangers)—to interpret them. This indicates a reliance on human agency to decode and understand divine will, which is aspirant to the "common plight," meaning it seeks to address and alleviate universal human suffering.

The poem continues with the idea that humans are "Destined, as natural heirs of the spirit," implying a spiritual inheritance that all people share. However, these "prodigal unholy fools" who have strayed from spiritual purity are depicted as raising stones in deserts and casting them down in temples. This act of raising and casting down stones symbolizes the cyclical nature of human endeavors and failures, and it ties into the theme of persistent betrayal and disillusionment. The "unshaken empire of chagrin" underscores a perpetual state of disappointment and betrayal that humans endure.

Hill then addresses the concept of "Plight into plight," which suggests an ongoing succession of struggles and challenges. Here, divine law is committed to chance, signifying the inescapable nature of human trials and the role of divine will within them. The "centurion's cry" and "the women bearing their oil or blood" are vivid biblical references to the Crucifixion, with the centurion's declaration of faith and the women who anoint Jesus' body symbolizing acts of faith and devotion amidst profound suffering.

The release of Bartimeus "for ever to his blind faith" at the poem's conclusion is particularly poignant. Bartimeus, the blind man healed by Jesus in the New Testament, represents a faith that persists despite physical blindness. His "blind faith" is a metaphor for unwavering belief in the face of uncertainty and adversity, encapsulating the poem's meditation on faith and the human condition.

In summary, "A Song of Degrees" by Geoffrey Hill is a rich and nuanced poem that delves into themes of divine revelation, human interpretation, spiritual inheritance, and the enduring nature of faith amidst suffering. Through its dense biblical references and contemplative tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of faith, the persistence of human struggle, and the subtle ways in which the divine communicates with humanity.


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