'When Rising from The Bed of Death' by Joseph Addison
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When rising from the bed of death,
O’erwhelmed with guilt and fear,
I see my Maker face to face,
O how shall I appear?
If yet, while pardon may be found,
And mercy may be sought,
My heart with inward horror shrinks,
And trembles at the thought;
When Thou, O Lord, shalt stand disclosed
In majesty severe,
And sit in judgment on my soul,
O how shall I appear?
But Thou hast told the troubled mind
Who does her sins lament,
The timely tribute of her tears
Shall endless woe prevent.
Then see the sorrow of my heart,
Ere yet it be too late;
And hear my Savior’s dying groans,
To give those sorrows weight.
For never shall my soul despair
Her pardon to procure,
Who knows Thine only Son has died
To make her pardon sure.
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Rising from The Bed of Death by Joseph Addison: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
When we read a piece of poetry, we are not only entertained but also given a chance to learn a thing or two about life. One such poem that has stood the test of time is Joseph Addison's "When Rising from The Bed of Death." This poem is not only beautiful but also full of wisdom. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at the poem and analyze its themes, literary devices, and overall significance.
Overview of the Poem
"When Rising from The Bed of Death" is a poem that speaks about the experience of dying and being brought back to life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of eight lines. The poem's rhyme scheme is ABABCCDD, and the meter is iambic pentameter. The poem is also written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader.
Themes
One of the central themes of the poem is the fragility of life. The poem speaks about how we can be healthy one moment and on the verge of death the next. Addison writes, "When rising from the bed of death / O'erwhelmed with guilt and fear, / I see my Maker face to face, / O how shall I appear!" This stanza explores the idea that we are all mortal and that one day, we will have to face our maker. The poem also speaks about the idea of sin and redemption. The speaker of the poem is overcome with guilt and fear when faced with the prospect of meeting their maker. The poem speaks about the need for redemption and forgiveness before we pass on to the next life.
Another important theme of the poem is the power of faith. The speaker of the poem finds comfort in their faith when faced with the prospect of dying. The poem speaks about the idea that faith can help us overcome our fears and doubts. Addison writes, "When I stand before the throne, / Dressed in beauty not my own, / When I see Thee as Thou art, / Love Thee with unsinning heart." This stanza speaks about the idea that faith can help us see ourselves in a different light and help us love unconditionally.
Literary Devices
Addison uses several literary devices in the poem to convey his message effectively. One of the most prominent literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The poem is full of vivid and powerful images that help convey the poem's meaning. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes being "overwhelmed with guilt and fear." This image helps convey the sense of dread and anxiety that the speaker feels when faced with the prospect of death. In the second stanza, the speaker describes standing "before the throne, dressed in beauty not my own." This image helps convey the idea that we are all imperfect but can find redemption through our faith.
Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. Addison repeats several phrases and words throughout the poem to emphasize his point. For example, the phrase "when rising from the bed of death" is repeated throughout the poem. This repetition helps convey the idea that death is a universal experience and that we will all face it one day. Another example of repetition in the poem is the phrase "O how shall I appear!" This phrase is repeated twice in the first stanza and helps convey the speaker's sense of fear and uncertainty.
Significance
"When Rising from The Bed of Death" is a poem that has stood the test of time. The poem speaks about universal themes such as the fragility of life, sin, redemption, and the power of faith. These themes are still relevant today, and the poem can still resonate with readers. The poem's use of vivid imagery and repetition helps convey the poem's message effectively. The poem is also written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader. This intimacy helps the reader connect with the poem on a deeper level and understand the speaker's emotions.
In conclusion, "When Rising from The Bed of Death" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks about the universal experience of death. The poem's themes of the fragility of life, sin, redemption, and the power of faith are still relevant today. Addison's use of vivid imagery and repetition helps convey the poem's message effectively. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to convey important messages and emotions.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry When Rising from The Bed of Death: A Masterpiece of Joseph Addison
Joseph Addison, the renowned English essayist, poet, and playwright, is known for his literary contributions that have stood the test of time. Among his many works, Poetry When Rising from The Bed of Death is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of readers for centuries. This poem is a reflection of Addison's thoughts on the power of poetry and its ability to transcend death. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and historical context.
The poem begins with the speaker, who is on his deathbed, reflecting on his life and the role that poetry has played in it. He acknowledges that he has been a lover of poetry throughout his life and that it has been a source of comfort and solace to him. However, he also recognizes that his time on earth is coming to an end and that he will soon be leaving behind everything he has known and loved.
As the speaker contemplates his impending death, he turns to poetry as a means of transcending it. He believes that poetry has the power to outlast death and that it can provide a way for him to live on even after he has passed away. He writes, "But poetry, celestial maid, / Can rouse the soul that slumbers in the shade, / And, smoothe the brow, and bid it sing / Of joyous days that are no more."
Here, Addison uses personification to describe poetry as a "celestial maid" who has the power to awaken the soul from its slumber and bring it back to life. He also uses imagery to describe the soothing effect that poetry can have on the soul, likening it to the act of smoothing a furrowed brow. Finally, he suggests that poetry can help us to remember the joyous days of our past, even when they are no longer with us.
As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more and more convinced of the power of poetry to transcend death. He writes, "The man who consecrates his hours / By vigorous effort and an honest aim, / At once he draws the sting of life and death; / He walks with nature, and her paths are peace."
Here, Addison suggests that those who dedicate themselves to a life of purpose and meaning can overcome the fear of death and find peace in the natural world. He also uses metaphor to describe life and death as a "sting" that can be drawn out by living a life of purpose.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Here, the speaker declares that even in death, poetry will continue to live on. He writes, "And when the stream which overflowed the soul / Is passed away, a consciousness remains / That shall be, like a guiding star, / A deathless light, to lead us to the skies."
In these lines, Addison suggests that even when our physical bodies have passed away, our consciousness will remain, and poetry will be the guiding light that leads us to the afterlife. He uses metaphor to describe the soul as a "stream" that overflows with emotion and experience, and he suggests that even when this stream has passed away, poetry will continue to guide us.
Overall, Poetry When Rising from The Bed of Death is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the power of poetry to transcend them. Addison's use of literary devices such as personification, imagery, and metaphor help to bring these themes to life and make them accessible to readers. The poem is also a reflection of the historical context in which it was written, a time when death was a much more prevalent and immediate part of everyday life.
In conclusion, Poetry When Rising from The Bed of Death is a masterpiece of English literature that has stood the test of time. Its themes of life, death, and the power of poetry to transcend them are as relevant today as they were when Addison first wrote them. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to touch the hearts and minds of readers for generations to come.
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