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?
