The Journey of the Magi - TS Eliot Flashcards
About Eliot
1888 - 1965
renowned poet, essayist and literary figure
Anglican
Lancelot Andrewes
STANZA 1 - JOURNEY
Andrewes was a clergyman who oversaw the translation of the KJV. The poem opens with a quote from one of his sermons, however it is presented as if from the perspective of the Magi talking about their journey: “a cold coming we had of it”
Pathetic Fallacy
STANZA 1 - JOURNEY
the original story is usually associated with a warmer climate, without snow, so the use of winter highlights the physical struggle of the journey
described as “dead of winter” - ironic as they are on their way to witness the birth of Jesus
quote about the luxuries the Magi are familiar with and the contrast it makes
(STANZA 1 - JOURNEY)
“summer palaces” contrasts with their current situation which involves “grumbling” men – brings the reader to the reality of a long journey, no matter how good the end result is.
impact of parallel sentence structure (STANZA 1 - JOURNEY)
“And” highlights the sheer number of hardships they encountered
personification
STANZA 1 - JOURNEY
“towns unfriendly” that are “charging high prices” removes compassion and instead creates an underwhelming atmosphere, parallels with Mary and Joseph’s struggle to find a place to stay (makes the hardship universal)
repetition of opening line - impact
STANZA 1 - JOURNEY
“A hard time we had of it”
emphasises extreme difficulty, exhaustion and toll of the journey.
spiritual doubt (STANZA 1 - JOURNEY)
a voice told them “this was all folly”
The Magi encounter the area where Jesus is to be born
STANZA 2 - ENCOUNTER
highlighted by the smell of vegetation which indicates fertility - alludes to birth
images that reflect the character of Jesus as an adult
(STANZA 2 - ENCOUNTER”
“a running stream” alludes to the gospel of John, where Christ’s spirit is describes as living water.
the Magi also encounter a mill that is “beating the darkness” referring to the fact that the birth of Jesus is intended to overcome evil
3 trees foreshadow the crucifixion on Calvary - intention of birth alluded to from outset
quote and parenthesis about the birthplace
STANZA 2 - ENCOUNTER
described as “(you may say) satisfactory”
- contrasts with the lavishness the Magi are used to - suggests Jesus came to Earth to meet with all types of people, he is an accessible figure.
framed narrative
STANZA 3 - REFLECTION
pronoun switches from plural, we, to personal I. the speaker also says “all this was a long time ago” making clear he has been reflecting on his journey and encounter with Jesus.
quote about the intention of Jesus’ birth
STANZA 3 - REFLECTION
“this Birth was / Hard and bitter for us like Death”
- difficult of journey to birth
- enjambment emphasises negative aspect of the birth with use of emotive language
- capitalisation makes clear the important of these terms in relation to Jesus.
quote about change in culture and religion since the birth of Jesus
(STANZA 3 - REFLECTION)
“old dispensation”
- dispensation can refer to a prevailing religion. as this is referred to as old, we can assume Christ has successfully changed the narrative and converted Jews to Christianity, as was his intention.
ending of poem - ambiguous note
STANZA 3 - REFLECTION
the Magi reflects that he “should be glad of another death”
- refers to the fact that he does not fear the end of his life because of Christ’s sacrifice?
biblical references in the Journey of the Magi
reference to Matthew’s nativity story, as told from the perspective of the Magi in the form of a dramatic monologue - brings humanity to smaller figures in the story
contains images of Jesus’ ministry later in life and imports them into the beginning stages of his life (crucifixion, wineskins as a reference to new wine and turning water into wine, living water…)
both of these points give new perspective
