Batter My Heart Pear 3 Analysis Flashcards
“I, like a usurped town”
Simile: A town forcefully besieged and taken over – armed conflict (political image). He feels trapped. The idea of warfare and conflict should seem inappropriate in the context of a man’s relationship with God (he would be expected to be submissive and respectful) but here it serves as a reminder of his intensity.
spondee highlights selfish nature of his words.
“to another due”
Faithful to someone else, ‘another’ here meaning the Devil. Christian belief that there is an evil quality in all of us. At birth, we all have the capacity in us to do wrong. Feels he is losing the battle.
“Labour”
He is making an effort. First sign of the speaker taking action to help themself rather than just relying on God to save him.
trochee emphasises effort he has put in himself
“admit you”
Idea of knocking on a door, waiting to be let in. The door to the speaker’s heart and soul. Trying to acknowledge God’s presence in his life.
“oh, to no end”
Emotive sigh (“oh”) highlights that he is worn out and struggling. Conversational tone. Expecting sympathy. Indicative of the wearying effort he has made. This effort and struggle is surprising here as it is instead expected in a love poem.
