Batter My Heart Pear 6 Analysis Flashcards
“Take me to you”
Pleading yet still commanding. The passionate words create the idea of the soul as a lover, romantically involved.
trochee places emphasis on “take”- a forceful command.
“imprison me”
Wants God to detain him, instead of the Devil. Wants God to take away his free will – offloading responsibility for the saving of his soul. So far, “Labour” has been the only indication of effort on the part of the speaker. Blaming everyone but himself. He expects God to do all of the work for him.
Paradox: “imprison”/“free”. How can you be free in prison? Free from eternal damnation.
“for I”
Enjambment here connects the quatrain to the final couplet. Sustaining his argument throughout the sestet.
“enthrall me”
Cast a spell over someone. Captivated. Mesmerised. During that time also meant to be enslaved.
“never shall be free”
No real freedom outside of this slavery to God and his faith.
Paradox: cannot be free unless he is held captive. Wants to be free from religious doubt.
“chaste”
Purity, virginity. Opposite of ravished – sexual innocence. Paradox asking God to take him forcefully for his own sake.
“ravish”
Gives idea of being forcefully taken. Passionate, lustful, violent. The extreme nature of this phrase creates a blasphemous image – comparing faith in God with an erotic relationship. Combines images of physical violence and passionate love.
final line general analysis
Unless God takes possession of him, he shall never be free from sin. Paradox of the Christian faith. Highlights his distress and agitation. There is a barrier to his faith so strong that only God can break it.
