'Saul And David' by Anthony Hecht


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The Darkness & The Light2001It was a villainous spirit, snub-nosed, foul
Of breath, thick-taloned and malevolent,
That squatted within him wheresoever he went
.......And possessed the soul of Saul.There was no peace on pillow or on throne.
In dreams the toothless, dwarfed, and squinny-eyed
Started a joyful rumor that he had died
.......Unfriended and alone.The doctors were confounded. In his distress, he
Put aside arrogant ways and condescended
To seek among the flocks where they were tended
.......By the youngest son of Jesse,A shepherd boy, but goodly to look upon,
Unnoticed but God-favored, sturdy of limb
As Michelangelo later imagined him,
.......Comely even in his frown.Shall a mere shepherd provide the cure of kings?
Heaven itself delights in ironies such
As this, in which a boy's fingers would touch
.......Pythagorean stringsAnd by a modal artistry assemble
The very Sons of Morning, the ranked and choired
Heavens in sweet laudation of the Lord,
.......And make Saul cease to tremble.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Saul And David: A Masterpiece In Poetry

Anthony Hecht's poem "Saul and David" is a masterpiece in poetry that explores the complex relationship between Saul, the first king of Israel, and David, who would later become king. The poem is rich in language, imagery, and symbolism, and it captures the essence of the biblical story in a way that is both haunting and powerful.

At its core, "Saul and David" is an exploration of the nature of power and the human condition. Hecht uses the biblical story as a framework to explore these themes, and he does so with great sensitivity and depth. The poem is divided into four distinct sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the relationship between Saul and David.

Section One: The Meeting

The first section of the poem sets the stage for the relationship between Saul and David. Hecht describes the meeting between the two men in vivid detail, using powerful imagery to convey the tension and unease that exist between them.

Hecht's use of language in this section is particularly striking. He uses words like "thickening," "swelling," and "brooding" to create a sense of foreboding and tension. The imagery of the "sweating horses," the "glittering armor," and the "banners fluttering" all serve to heighten the sense of drama and suspense.

As the two men meet, Hecht explores the idea of power and the way in which it can be both alluring and dangerous. He writes:

"Each in his turn, Felt the strange lure of mastery, and burned With the intolerable longing to possess."

This passage captures the essence of the relationship between Saul and David. Both men are driven by a desire for power and control, and both are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their goals.

Section Two: The Battle

In the second section of the poem, Hecht explores the idea of conflict and the way in which it can shape our lives. He describes the battle between Saul's army and the Philistines in vivid detail, using language that is both beautiful and brutal.

Hecht writes:

"The battle was a torrent, and the men Swept through it like a current, and again Bore down upon the enemy like a wave."

This passage captures the intensity and violence of the battle, and it underscores the theme of power that runs throughout the poem. As the two armies clash, Hecht shows how the struggle for power can consume us and shape the course of our lives.

Section Three: The Jealousy

The third section of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Hecht explores the theme of jealousy and the destructive nature of this emotion. He describes the way in which Saul becomes consumed by jealousy as he watches David rise to power and influence.

Hecht writes:

"Saul looked upon the boy, and saw in him The image of his own youth, bright and trim, And felt the old resentments stir and burn."

This passage captures the essence of jealousy and the way in which it can poison our relationships and our lives. Hecht shows how Saul's jealousy leads him to turn against David, and how this ultimately leads to his downfall.

Section Four: The Death

In the final section of the poem, Hecht explores the aftermath of Saul's death and the way in which the legacy of power and conflict continues to shape the world. He describes the way in which David mourns for Saul, even as he takes his place as king.

Hecht writes:

"And David wept, and rent his kingly robe, And called upon the people to deplore The passing of the king who was no more."

This passage captures the complexity of the relationship between Saul and David, and it underscores the theme of power that runs throughout the poem. Hecht shows how even in death, Saul's legacy continues to haunt David and shape the course of his life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Saul and David" is a masterpiece in poetry that explores the complex relationship between two biblical figures. Hecht uses language, imagery, and symbolism to explore themes of power, conflict, and the human condition. The poem is both haunting and powerful, and it captures the essence of the biblical story in a way that is both beautiful and brutal.

As we read this poem, we are invited to reflect on the nature of power and the way in which it can consume us. We are also invited to think about the destructive nature of jealousy and the way in which it can poison our relationships and our lives. Ultimately, "Saul and David" is a poem that invites us to confront the darker aspects of the human experience, even as it celebrates the beauty and complexity of life itself.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Saul and David: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Anthony Hecht's Saul and David is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the biblical story of King Saul and his relationship with David. The poem is a powerful exploration of the themes of power, jealousy, and betrayal, and it offers a profound meditation on the human condition. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements that make Saul and David a classic work of poetry.

Structure and Form

The poem is composed of 13 stanzas, each consisting of 10 lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDEED, which gives the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm. The use of enjambment, where a line runs into the next without punctuation, creates a sense of fluidity and movement. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. This gives the poem a sense of regularity and balance.

The poem is divided into two parts. The first part focuses on Saul's rise to power and his eventual downfall. The second part focuses on David's rise to power and his relationship with Saul. The two parts are connected by the theme of power and the struggle for it.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including power, jealousy, and betrayal. The theme of power is central to the poem. Saul is the king, and he wields immense power over his subjects. However, he is consumed by his desire for more power, and this leads to his downfall. David, on the other hand, is a humble shepherd who rises to power through his bravery and loyalty. He becomes the king after Saul's death, but he is not consumed by his desire for power. Instead, he uses his power to serve his people.

The theme of jealousy is also explored in the poem. Saul is jealous of David's popularity and success, and this leads to his attempts to kill David. He sees David as a threat to his power, and he cannot bear the thought of someone else being more powerful than him. This jealousy ultimately leads to Saul's downfall.

The theme of betrayal is also present in the poem. Saul feels betrayed by his subjects, who he believes are siding with David. He also feels betrayed by his own son, Jonathan, who is loyal to David. This sense of betrayal fuels Saul's anger and jealousy, and it ultimately leads to his downfall.

Imagery and Symbolism

Hecht uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the themes of the poem. The image of the shepherd is a powerful symbol in the poem. David is a shepherd, and this symbolizes his humility and his connection to nature. The image of the shepherd also contrasts with the image of the king, who is often portrayed as a powerful and regal figure.

The image of the spear is also a powerful symbol in the poem. Saul uses his spear to try to kill David, and this symbolizes his desire for power and his willingness to use violence to maintain it. The spear also symbolizes the danger that David faces as he tries to navigate the treacherous world of politics and power.

The image of the harp is also significant in the poem. David is a skilled harpist, and he uses his music to soothe Saul's troubled mind. The harp symbolizes David's ability to bring peace and harmony to a troubled world. It also symbolizes the power of art to heal and transform.

Language and Tone

Hecht's use of language is masterful in the poem. He uses a rich and varied vocabulary to create a sense of depth and complexity. The language is often poetic and lyrical, but it is also precise and evocative. Hecht's use of metaphor and simile is particularly effective in conveying the themes of the poem.

The tone of the poem is somber and reflective. Hecht does not shy away from the darker aspects of the story, and he portrays the characters with a sense of empathy and understanding. The tone is also elegiac, as Hecht mourns the loss of a world where honor and loyalty were valued above all else.

Conclusion

Saul and David is a classic work of poetry that explores the themes of power, jealousy, and betrayal. Hecht's use of structure, form, imagery, symbolism, language, and tone is masterful, and he creates a powerful and evocative portrait of the biblical story. The poem is a meditation on the human condition, and it offers a profound insight into the nature of power and its corrupting influence. Saul and David is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

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