'Samuel Sewall' by Anthony Hecht

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Samuel Sewall, in a world of wigs,
Flouted opinion in his personal hair;
For foppery he gave not any figs,
But in his right and honor took the air.
Thus in his naked style, though well attired,
He went forth in the city, or paid court
To Madam Winthrop, whom he much admired,
Most godly, but yet liberal with the port.And all the town admired for two full years
His excellent address, his gifts of fruit,
Her gracious ways and delicate white ears,
And held the course of nature abolute.But yet she bade him suffer a peruke,
"That One be not distinguished from the All";
Delivered of herself this stern rebuke
Framed in the resonant language of St. Paul."Madam," he answered her, "I have a Friend
Furnishes me with hair out of His strength,
And He requires only I attend
Unto His charity and to its length."And all the town was witness to his trust:
On Monday he walked out with the Widow Gibbs,
A pious lady of charm and notable bust,
Whose heart beat tolerably beneath her ribs.On Saturday he wrote proposing marriage,
And closed, imploring that she be not cruel,
"Your favorable answer will oblige,
Madam, your humble servant, Samuel Sewall."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exciting Literary Criticism of Samuel Sewall: Unveiling the Layers of Anthony Hecht's Poem

Anthony Hecht's Samuel Sewall is a work of art that captures the complexity of human nature and the struggle between conscience and societal pressure. The poem is a tribute to the life of Samuel Sewall, a 17th-century judge who is famous for his role in the Salem Witch Trials. Hecht uses Sewall's story to explore the themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of individual conscience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the layers of Hecht's poem and examine the techniques he uses to convey his message.

The Structure of the Poem

One of the most striking features of Hecht's poem is its structure. The poem is divided into four sections, each with its own title. The titles of the sections are "The Judge's Journal," "The Confession," "The Apology," and "The Retraction." Each section represents a different stage in Sewall's life and the progression of his conscience.

The first section, "The Judge's Journal," is a collection of entries from Sewall's personal journal. Hecht uses these entries to give the reader insight into Sewall's thought process during the Salem Witch Trials. The journal entries are written in a matter-of-fact style, which contrasts with the emotional weight of the events described. Hecht's use of this technique creates a sense of detachment and objectivity, which highlights the conflict between Sewall's conscience and his duty as a judge.

The second section, "The Confession," is a poem written in first person from Sewall's perspective. In this section, Sewall is reflecting on his role in the Salem Witch Trials and his guilt for the innocent lives that were lost. Hecht uses this section to explore the theme of guilt and the burden it places on an individual's conscience. The structure of the poem is free-flowing and fragmented, which reflects the chaotic nature of Sewall's emotions.

The third section, "The Apology," is a letter written by Sewall to the church, in which he confesses his guilt and asks for forgiveness. Hecht uses this section to explore the theme of redemption and the power of atonement. The structure of the section is more formal and structured, which reflects the seriousness of Sewall's apology.

The final section, "The Retraction," is a poem written in third person from the perspective of an observer. In this section, Hecht explores the theme of public image and the pressure it places on individuals to conform to societal expectations. The structure of the section is more formal and structured, which reflects the seriousness of the topic.

The Use of Imagery

Hecht uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. One of the most striking examples of this is in the first section, where Hecht describes the accused witches:

"Their eyes were like the eyes of cats, Reflecting light from some infernal fire."

This imagery creates a sense of fear and uncertainty, which reflects the hysteria that surrounded the Salem Witch Trials. Hecht's use of animal imagery also emphasizes the dehumanization of the accused witches and the cruelty of their treatment.

Another example of Hecht's use of imagery is in the second section, where he describes Sewall's guilt:

"I feel the weight of blood upon this hand, A weight that will not lift, that will not cease."

This imagery creates a sense of burden and despair, which reflects the internal struggle that Sewall faced after the Salem Witch Trials. Hecht's use of bodily imagery also emphasizes the physical toll that guilt takes on an individual.

The Use of Allusion

Hecht uses allusion throughout the poem to connect Sewall's story to larger themes and historical events. One of the most significant examples of this is in the first section, where Hecht references the Biblical story of Job:

"Like Job, I am a man afflicted, Where once was joy, there now is sorrow."

This allusion creates a sense of universality and connects Sewall's story to larger themes of human suffering and redemption. Hecht's use of allusion also highlights the literary and historical context of Sewall's story.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Hecht's Samuel Sewall is a work of art that uses structure, imagery, and allusion to explore the themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of individual conscience. Hecht's use of these techniques creates a sense of atmosphere and emotion that captures the complexity of human nature. The poem is a powerful tribute to the life of Samuel Sewall and a testament to the enduring power of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Samuel Sewall is a classic poem written by Anthony Hecht that explores the life of Samuel Sewall, a prominent figure in colonial America. The poem is a masterful work of art that combines historical accuracy with poetic license to create a vivid and compelling portrait of a man who lived during a pivotal time in American history.

Hecht's poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Sewall's life. The first section, titled "The Diary," is a series of short, fragmented lines that mimic the style of a diary entry. The lines are disjointed and often disconnected, reflecting the scattered thoughts and emotions of Sewall as he records his daily life. Hecht uses this section to introduce us to Sewall and to give us a sense of his personality and character.

The second section, titled "The Trial," is a longer and more structured section that details Sewall's involvement in the Salem witch trials. Hecht uses this section to explore the moral and ethical dilemmas that Sewall faced during this difficult time. Hecht's portrayal of Sewall is sympathetic and nuanced, showing us a man who is torn between his duty to the law and his own conscience.

The third and final section, titled "The Apology," is a short and powerful section that shows us Sewall's remorse and regret for his role in the witch trials. Hecht uses this section to explore the themes of redemption and forgiveness, showing us that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to find hope and redemption.

One of the most striking aspects of Hecht's poem is his use of language. Hecht's language is rich and evocative, using vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, in the first section of the poem, Hecht describes Sewall as "a man of many parts, / A man of many sorrows." This simple phrase captures the complexity of Sewall's character and the depth of his emotions.

Hecht's use of language is also evident in his portrayal of the Salem witch trials. Hecht's description of the trials is vivid and haunting, showing us the fear and hysteria that gripped the town during this time. Hecht's portrayal of the accused witches is sympathetic and nuanced, showing us that they were not the evil monsters that they were often portrayed as.

Another notable aspect of Hecht's poem is his use of structure. Hecht's poem is divided into three sections, each of which has its own unique structure and style. This creates a sense of variety and contrast that keeps the poem fresh and engaging.

In the first section of the poem, Hecht uses short, fragmented lines to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy. In the second section, Hecht uses longer, more structured lines to create a sense of tension and drama. In the third section, Hecht uses short, powerful lines to create a sense of finality and resolution.

Overall, Samuel Sewall is a masterful work of art that combines historical accuracy with poetic license to create a vivid and compelling portrait of a man who lived during a pivotal time in American history. Hecht's use of language and structure is impressive, creating a sense of depth and complexity that is rare in modern poetry. If you are a fan of historical poetry or simply appreciate great literature, then Samuel Sewall is a must-read.

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