Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Adrienne Rich's poem "Revivalist in Boston" reflects on an encounter with a street preacher in Boston Common, capturing the intensity and sincerity of his faith. Through vivid imagery and a contemplative tone, Rich explores themes of transformation, faith, and the power of belief to inspire and compel.

The poem begins with a scene set in the evening: "Going home by lamplight across Boston Common, / We heard him tell how God had entered in him, / And now he had the Word, and nothing other / Would do but he must cry it to his brother." The setting of lamplight on Boston Common creates an atmosphere of quiet contemplation, contrasting with the preacher's fervent proclamation. The preacher’s sense of divine calling is immediate and compelling, suggesting a transformative experience that compels him to share his message.

Rich notes the initial reaction of the listeners: "We stood and listened there—to nothing new. / Yet something loosed his tongue and drove him shouting." The message itself is not novel, but the preacher's intense conviction and the force driving him to speak make it noteworthy. His face, described as genuine and unplayacted, conveys the authenticity of his compulsion: "Compulsion's not play-acted in a face, / And he was telling us the way to grace."

The poem then delves into the preacher’s past: "Somehow we saw the youth that he had been, / Not one to notice; an ordinary boy— / Hardly the one the Lord would make His tool— / Shuffling his feet in Baptist Sunday school." These lines paint a picture of an unremarkable boy, suggesting that his transformation into a fervent preacher is both surprising and profound. This ordinary background emphasizes the extraordinary nature of his current fervor.

Rich continues to describe the preacher’s moment of transformation: "And then transfiguration came his way; / He knew the secret all the rest were seeking. / He made the tale of Christendom his own, / And hoarsely called his brethren to the throne." The word "transfiguration" evokes a profound change, suggesting a moment of spiritual awakening that gave him a sense of purpose and insight. His hoarse voice calling others to faith underscores the urgency and passion of his mission.

Despite the familiarity of his message, the preacher's conviction makes it powerful: "The same old way; and yet we knew he saw / The angelic hosts whose names he stumbled over." The preacher’s vision of angelic hosts adds a layer of divine authenticity to his message. His stumbling over their names humanizes him, making his fervor more relatable and genuine.

The poem concludes with a powerful image: "He made us hear the ranks of shining feet / Treading to glory's throne up Tremont Street." This closing line ties the celestial to the earthly, merging the divine journey with the familiar streets of Boston. The "ranks of shining feet" symbolize the movement of believers towards a higher purpose, inspired by the preacher’s passionate call.

"Revivalist in Boston" by Adrienne Rich captures the intense sincerity of a street preacher's faith and the transformative power of belief. Through her evocative descriptions and contemplative tone, Rich invites readers to consider the profound impact of personal faith and the ways it can inspire and compel individuals to share their spiritual convictions. The poem highlights the intersection of the ordinary and the extraordinary, reflecting on the enduring power of spiritual transformation.

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