'Brier : Good Friday' by E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake)
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1Because, dear Christ, your tender, wounded arm
2Bends back the brier that edges life's long way,
3That no hurt comes to heart, to soul no harm,
4I do not feel the thorns so much to-day.
5Because I never knew your care to tire,
6Your hand to weary guiding me aright,
7Because you walk before and crush the brier,
8It does not pierce my feet so much to-night.
9Because so often you have hearkened to
10My selfish prayers, I ask but one thing now,
11 That these harsh hands of mine add not unto
12The crown of thorns upon your bleeding brow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Brier: Good Friday by E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake)
Brier: Good Friday is a poem written by E. Pauline Johnson, a Canadian poet and performer of Mohawk descent. Published in 1912, the poem tells the story of a man who is crucified on Good Friday, and the brier that grows over his grave.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Brier: Good Friday, and how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the poem.
Themes
One of the main themes of Brier: Good Friday is sacrifice. The man who is crucified on Good Friday is a symbol of sacrifice, as he willingly gives his life for the greater good. The brier that grows over his grave is also a symbol of sacrifice, as it grows in a place where nothing else will, and it is often associated with pain and suffering.
Another theme of the poem is redemption. The man who is crucified on Good Friday is also a symbol of redemption, as his sacrifice is meant to redeem the sins of humanity. The brier that grows over his grave is also a symbol of redemption, as it represents the hope of new life and growth after suffering.
Finally, the poem also explores the theme of nature. The brier that grows over the man's grave is a symbol of the resilience and persistence of nature, and it is contrasted with the harshness and cruelty of humanity.
Imagery
One of the most striking images in the poem is the brier that grows over the man's grave. The brier is described as "knotted, gnarled and brown," and it is contrasted with the "tendrils of the vine" that grow nearby. This imagery is meant to convey the idea that the brier is a symbol of suffering and sacrifice, while the vine is a symbol of life and growth.
Another powerful image in the poem is the man who is crucified on Good Friday. He is described as a "figure gaunt and grim," and his hands and feet are nailed to the cross. This image is meant to convey the idea that the man is suffering and sacrificing himself for the sake of others.
Finally, the poem also contains images of nature, such as the "sap of the trees" and the "tendrils of the vine." These images serve to contrast the resilience and persistence of nature with the cruelty and harshness of humanity.
Language
The language of Brier: Good Friday is simple and straightforward, but it is also very powerful. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "brier" throughout the poem, serves to emphasize the importance of the brier as a symbol of sacrifice and redemption.
The use of metaphors and similes, such as the metaphor of the brier as a "crown of thorns," also serves to deepen the meaning of the poem and make it more memorable.
Finally, the use of alliteration and assonance, such as the repetition of the "b" sound in the word "brier," serves to create a musical quality to the poem and make it more enjoyable to read.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brier: Good Friday is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and nature. The imagery and language of the poem serve to deepen its meaning and make it more memorable.
As readers, we are left with a sense of awe and reverence for the man who is crucified on Good Friday, and the brier that grows over his grave serves as a reminder of the resilience and persistence of nature in the face of suffering and sacrifice.
Overall, Brier: Good Friday is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Good Friday is a classic poem written by E. Pauline Johnson (Tekahionwake), a Canadian poet and performer of Mohawk and English descent. This poem is a beautiful and powerful representation of the Christian holiday of Good Friday, which commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning and significance.
The poem begins with a description of the setting on Good Friday, with the speaker observing the world around her. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the speaker describing the world as "hushed and still" and "wrapped in solemn thought." This sets the scene for the solemnity and reverence that is associated with Good Friday, a day of mourning and reflection for Christians.
The second stanza introduces the central image of the poem, the "brier" or thorn bush. The speaker describes the brier as "a cruel and heartless thing" that "wreathed the Saviour's head." This image is a reference to the crown of thorns that was placed on Jesus' head during his crucifixion. The brier is a powerful symbol of the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endured for the sake of humanity.
The third stanza continues the theme of suffering, with the speaker describing the "cross of wood" on which Jesus was crucified. The language used here is particularly powerful, with the speaker describing the cross as "a rugged thing" that "bore the weight of human sin." This image emphasizes the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice and the weight of the sins that he bore on behalf of humanity.
The fourth stanza introduces a shift in tone, with the speaker describing the hope that is associated with Good Friday. The speaker describes the "sunset glow" that "touched the brier's thorn" and "turned its cruel points to gold." This image is a powerful representation of the hope and redemption that is associated with the Christian faith. The thorns, which were once a symbol of suffering and pain, are transformed into a symbol of beauty and hope.
The fifth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the significance of Good Friday. The speaker describes the day as a "day of hope" and a "day of peace," a time when "the world is born anew." This image emphasizes the transformative power of Good Friday, a day when Christians believe that the world was redeemed through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Overall, Good Friday is a powerful and moving poem that captures the essence of the Christian holiday. The imagery and language used in the poem are particularly effective in conveying the themes of suffering, sacrifice, and redemption that are associated with Good Friday. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of faith and the hope that it brings to those who believe.
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