'The Ballad Of The Hanged Men' by François Villon
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Men my brothers who after us live,
have your hearts against us not hardened.
For—if of poor us you take pity,
God of you sooner will show mercy.
You see us here, attached.
As for the flesh we too well have fed,
long since it's been devoured or has rotted.
And we the bones are becoming ash and dust.
Of our pain let nobody laugh,
but pray God
would us all absolve.
If you my brothers I call, do not
scoff at us in disdain, though killed
we were by justice. Yet þþ you know
all men are not of good sound sense.
Plead our behalf since we are dead naked
with the Son of Mary the Virgin
that His grace be not for us dried up
preserving us from hell's fulminations.
We're dead after all. Let no soul revile us,
but pray God
would us all absolve.
Rain has washed us, laundered us,
and the sun has dried us black.
Worse—ravens plucked our eyes hollow
and picked our beards and brows.
Never ever have we sat down, but
this way, and that way, at the wind's
good pleasure ceaselessly we swing 'n swivel,
more nibbled at than sewing thimbles.
Therefore, think not of joining our guild,
but pray God
would us all absolve.
Prince Jesus, who over all has lordship,
care that hell not gain of us dominion.
With it we have no business, fast or loose.
People, here be no mocking,
but pray God
would us all absolve.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Ballad of the Hanged Men: A Masterpiece of Medieval Poetry
When it comes to medieval poetry, few works can match the raw power and emotional intensity of "The Ballad of the Hanged Men" by François Villon. Written in the 15th century, this haunting ballad has captivated generations of readers with its vivid imagery, vivid language, and haunting themes of mortality and injustice.
At its core, "The Ballad of the Hanged Men" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a group of criminals who have been sentenced to death by hanging. Villon, who was himself a criminal and a fugitive at the time of writing, imbues his poem with a sense of personal urgency and moral outrage that elevates it beyond a mere account of historical events.
The poem opens with a powerful depiction of the condemned men, who are described as "rascals, rogues, and thieves" (line 3) and "wretches doomed to die" (line 6). Villon does not shy away from the physical realities of their impending execution, describing in detail the nooses that have been prepared for them and the gallows upon which they will be hanged.
Yet despite this bleak setting, Villon manages to infuse his poem with a sense of dark humor and subversive wit that is characteristic of his style. He playfully mocks the authorities who have condemned the men, describing them as "the judges, pompous and proud" (line 9) and suggesting that they are no better than the criminals they have sentenced to death.
The heart of the poem, however, lies in the final stanzas, where Villon shifts his focus from the condemned men to the larger themes of mortality and justice. Here, he raises a series of profound questions about the nature of life and death, and the fundamental injustices that underlie human society.
"Why, then, make so great ado?" he asks. "To what purpose, all this show?" (lines 35-36). These questions, which are left unanswered, serve to underscore the poem's central message: that life is fleeting and ultimately meaningless, and that the injustices of the world will continue even after the deaths of the condemned men.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of "The Ballad of the Hanged Men" is its use of language and imagery. Villon's poetry is characterized by its vivid and visceral descriptions, which create a sense of immediacy and urgency that draws the reader into the world of the poem.
Consider, for example, the following lines:
The ropes were fastened, the men were there,
The hangman's hands were poised in air,
And all were ready to do their worst.
Here, Villon uses short, staccato sentences and vivid verbs ("fastened," "poised," "ready") to create a sense of tension and foreboding. The reader can almost feel the ropes tightening around the condemned men's necks and hear the creaking of the gallows as they are hoisted into the air.
Similarly, in the following stanza:
O God, whose mercy is infinite,
Have mercy upon these men, I pray,
Who are condemned to die this day.
Villon uses soaring, poetic language to create a sense of spiritual transcendence and awe. The contrast between the brutality of the execution and the expression of divine mercy serves to underscore the poem's themes of mortality and justice.
In conclusion, "The Ballad of the Hanged Men" is a masterpiece of medieval poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its vivid imagery, powerful language, and haunting themes of mortality and injustice make it a timeless work of art that deserves to be studied and celebrated for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Ballad of the Hanged Men: A Haunting Tale of Life and Death
François Villon's The Ballad of the Hanged Men is a haunting poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. Written in the 15th century, this classic ballad has stood the test of time and continues to captivate readers with its vivid imagery, powerful language, and thought-provoking message.
At its core, The Ballad of the Hanged Men is a reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. The poem tells the story of a group of men who have been sentenced to hang for their crimes. As they await their execution, they reflect on their lives and the choices that led them to this moment. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience.
The first part of the poem focuses on the men's physical bodies and the pain they are about to endure. Villon describes the men's bodies in vivid detail, emphasizing their physical suffering and the brutality of their punishment. He writes, "Their necks were broken, their bodies twisted and bent / And their faces were black as the night." This imagery is both gruesome and powerful, evoking a sense of horror and pity in the reader.
The second part of the poem shifts the focus to the men's souls and their spiritual state. Villon explores the idea of redemption and the possibility of salvation, even in the face of death. He writes, "God have mercy on us all / And grant us the grace to repent." This line suggests that even in their final moments, the men are still capable of seeking forgiveness and redemption.
The third and final part of the poem is perhaps the most haunting. Villon describes the aftermath of the men's execution, painting a picture of a world that has been forever changed by their deaths. He writes, "The crows and the ravens will feast on their eyes / And the worms will devour their flesh." This imagery is both gruesome and poetic, underscoring the finality of death and the inevitability of decay.
Throughout the poem, Villon uses language and imagery to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. His use of repetition, for example, emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death. He writes, "But where are the snows of yesteryear?" This line is repeated several times throughout the poem, each time with a slightly different meaning. At first, it suggests the fleeting nature of life and the impermanence of all things. Later, it takes on a more ominous tone, suggesting that even memories and legacies can be forgotten over time.
Villon's use of symbolism is also noteworthy. The gallows, for example, represent both the men's physical punishment and their spiritual reckoning. The crows and ravens that feast on their eyes represent the inevitability of death and decay. And the snows of yesteryear represent the passing of time and the transience of all things.
Ultimately, The Ballad of the Hanged Men is a powerful meditation on the human condition. It reminds us of our mortality and the fragility of life, while also suggesting that even in the face of death, there is still hope for redemption and salvation. Villon's vivid language and haunting imagery make this poem a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
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