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'Goodtime Jesus' by James Tate


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Jesus got up one day a little later than usual. He had been dream-
ing so deep there was nothing left in his head. What was it?
A nightmare, dead bodies walking all around him, eyes rolled
back, skin falling off. But he wasn't afraid of that. It was a beau-
tiful day. How 'bout some coffee? Don't mind if I do. Take a little
ride on my donkey, I love that donkey. Hell, I love everybody.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Eclectic and Unconventional Goodtime Jesus by James Tate

Have you ever read a poem that left you bewildered and unsure of what the author was trying to convey? If you haven't, then you are yet to read James Tate's "Goodtime Jesus." Written in 1973, this classic poem is a surreal and unconventional depiction of Jesus, the son of God. Tate's poem is a satire on religion, and he presents Jesus in a way that is both humorous and irreverent. In this article, we will analyze "Goodtime Jesus" and explore its various literary devices, themes, and symbolism.

First Impressions and Analysis

The title itself, "Goodtime Jesus," is a clear indication that the poem is not going to be a conventional depiction of Jesus. The opening line, "Jesus got up one day a little later than usual," immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Tate's Jesus is not the pious and solemn figure we have come to know but is instead a laid-back and easygoing character.

Tate's use of language is one of the most striking aspects of the poem. He uses colloquial language and slang, which adds to the humor of the poem. The line "he went down to the kitchen, had a cup of coffee and caught up on the news" is an excellent example of this. The use of everyday language to describe Jesus is a deliberate attempt by Tate to humanize him and make him more relatable.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the poem is its structure. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and mood. The first stanza is light-hearted, with Tate portraying Jesus as a regular guy who enjoys a good time. The second stanza takes a darker turn, with Jesus reflecting on his crucifixion and the suffering he endured. The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope, with Jesus resolving to forgive those who persecuted him.

Themes

Satire and humor are the most prominent themes in "Goodtime Jesus." Tate uses humor to poke fun at organized religion and the way it portrays Jesus. The poem is a parody of the traditional image of Jesus as a solemn and pious figure. Tate's Jesus is a laid-back character who enjoys a good time, and this is a direct challenge to the conventional image of Jesus.

The theme of forgiveness is also prevalent in the poem. In the final stanza, Jesus resolves to forgive those who persecuted him. This theme is in line with the teachings of Christianity, which emphasizes the importance of forgiveness.

Symbolism

Tate uses several symbols in the poem to add depth and meaning to his message. The coffee that Jesus drinks in the morning is a symbol of his humanity. The fact that Jesus catches up on the news suggests that he is aware of the world around him and is not aloof from it.

The crown of thorns that Jesus wears is a symbol of his suffering. The fact that he wears it casually suggests that he has come to terms with his suffering and has accepted it as part of his destiny.

Literary Devices

Tate uses several literary devices to convey his message. The use of colloquial language and slang is one of the most effective devices he employs. It adds humor to the poem while also humanizing Jesus.

The use of repetition is also prevalent in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "Goodtime Jesus" adds to the satirical tone of the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I forgive you, I forgive you" in the final stanza emphasizes the theme of forgiveness.

The use of irony is also present in the poem. The fact that Jesus is portrayed as a regular guy who enjoys a good time is ironic, given his status as the son of God. This irony is deliberate, and Tate uses it to challenge the conventional image of Jesus.

Conclusion

"Goodtime Jesus" is a unique and unconventional poem that challenges the conventional image of Jesus. Tate's use of humor, satire, and unconventional language make the poem an enjoyable read. The poem's structure, themes, and symbolism add depth and meaning to Tate's message. The poem is a satire on organized religion and the way it portrays Jesus. It is a message of forgiveness and a challenge to the conventional image of Jesus. Overall, "Goodtime Jesus" is a classic poem that is still relevant today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Goodtime Jesus: A Poem of Irony and Satire

James Tate’s poem “Goodtime Jesus” is a satirical masterpiece that challenges the traditional image of Jesus Christ. The poem is a witty and ironic commentary on the commercialization of religion and the commodification of spirituality. Tate’s use of humor and irony is a powerful tool that exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of religious dogma and the commercialization of faith.

The poem begins with the speaker’s encounter with a “Goodtime Jesus” in a bar. The speaker describes Jesus as a “jolly man” who is “dressed up like a scarecrow” and “smiling like a split watermelon.” The image of Jesus as a “jolly man” is a stark contrast to the traditional image of Jesus as a solemn and serious figure. The use of the word “scarecrow” to describe Jesus is also significant, as it suggests that Jesus is a figure who is not taken seriously by society.

The speaker then describes how Jesus performs miracles in the bar, turning water into wine and healing the sick. However, the miracles are not performed out of compassion or love, but rather as a means of entertainment. The speaker notes that “the wine flowed freely” and that “the sick were healed for the price of a drink.” This highlights the commercialization of religion and the commodification of spirituality, where faith is reduced to a commodity that can be bought and sold.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes how Jesus is arrested and crucified. However, even in his death, Jesus is not taken seriously by society. The speaker notes that “the crowd cheered” and that “the women wept.” This highlights the irony of the situation, where the very people who claim to follow Jesus are the ones who are responsible for his death.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker reflects on the significance of Jesus’ death. The speaker notes that “the world shook” and that “the sky cracked.” This suggests that Jesus’ death was a significant event that had a profound impact on the world. However, the speaker also notes that “nothing changed” and that “the world went on just the same.” This highlights the irony of the situation, where the death of Jesus had no real impact on society.

Overall, “Goodtime Jesus” is a powerful commentary on the commercialization of religion and the commodification of spirituality. Tate’s use of humor and irony is a powerful tool that exposes the hypocrisy and absurdity of religious dogma and the commercialization of faith. The poem challenges the traditional image of Jesus Christ and presents a more complex and nuanced view of the figure. It is a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and one that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.

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