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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"And the Wages of Goodness Are Not Assured" by Michael Blumenthal is a profound reflection on the moral ambiguities of life and the complex interplay between virtue and its rewards. Through a series of biblical and historical references, Blumenthal explores the idea that goodness does not always lead to prosperity or happiness, challenging the conventional notion of a just universe where good deeds are always rewarded. This contemplative piece delves into the heart of human suffering, the unpredictability of justice, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The poem begins with references to biblical stories that underscore the uncertain and often unjust outcomes of moral actions. Jacob, who deceives his brother and father to obtain a blessing meant for his elder sibling, succeeds despite his deceit. Cain commits fratricide, yet his lineage continues. Job, a paragon of faith and goodness, endures immense suffering without cause. These stories serve to illustrate that the path of righteousness does not guarantee a favorable outcome and that the moral universe is not as straightforward as it might seem. Blumenthal then shifts focus to contemplate the notion of abstract justice in a "perfecter world," suggesting a human desire for a place where righteousness is as enduring and magnificent as a sequoia tree—unwavering and triumphant over adversity. This imagery evokes a longing for an Edenic state where goodness is visibly and tangibly rewarded, a stark contrast to the real world where virtue often goes unrewarded or is met with suffering. However, the poet quickly undercuts this idealized vision with the harsh reality of human history, epitomized by the figure of Juliek, a violinist in the concentration camp Buchenwald. In the face of unimaginable horror, Juliek's decision to play his violin amidst the dead and dying becomes a poignant symbol of the human capacity for beauty, resilience, and resistance in the absence of any tangible reward for goodness. Juliek's music, in this context, transcends the immediate horror of his circumstances, offering a form of spiritual sustenance and defiance against the dark forces that seek to extinguish life and hope. Blumenthal's use of Juliek as a concluding image serves multiple purposes. It grounds the philosophical and theological musings of the poem in a concrete historical reality, reminding readers that the questions posed are not merely abstract but have been lived and answered in the most extreme conditions imaginable. Furthermore, it suggests that the "wages of goodness" may not be measurable in conventional terms of success or happiness but in the intangible and perhaps more profound currency of human dignity, courage, and the will to affirm life even in the face of certain death. "And the Wages of Goodness Are Not Assured" ultimately argues that goodness is its own reward, not because it leads to success or happiness, but because it represents the highest expression of what it means to be human. In a world where justice is often "oblique and obscure," the act of maintaining one's integrity and humanity—of "playing" and "singing" into the darkness—is presented as the most authentic and meaningful response. The poem is a meditation on the complexity of moral existence, inviting readers to reconsider the value and purpose of goodness in a world that does not assure its rewards.
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