'The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church' by Robert Browning
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Vanity, saith the preacher, vanity!
Draw round my bed: is Anselm keeping back?
Nephews -- sons mine -- ah God, I know not! Well --
She, men would have to be your mother once,
Old Gandolf envied me, so fair she was!
What's done is done, and she is dead beside,
Dead long ago, and I am Bishop since,
And as she died so must we die ourselves,
And thence ye may perceive the world's a dream.
Life, how and what is it? As here I lie
In this state-chamber, dying by degrees,
Hours and long hours in the dead night, I ask
"Do I live, am I dead?" Peace, peace seems all.
Saint Praxed's ever was the church for peace;
And so, about this tomb of mine. I fought
With tooth and nail to save my niche, ye know:
-- Old Gandolf cozened me, despite my care;
Shrewd was that snatch from out the corner South
He graced his carrion with, God curse the same!
Yet still my niche is not so cramped but thence
One sees the pulpit o' the epistle-side,
And somewhat of the choir, those silent seats,
And up into the very dome where live
The angels, and a sunbeam's sure to lurk:
And I shall fill my slab of basalt there,
And 'neath my tabernacle take my rest,
With those nine columns round me, two and two,
The odd one at my feet where Anselm stands:
Peach-blossom marble all, the rare, the ripe
As fresh poured red wine of a mighty pulse
-- Old Gandolf with his paltry onion-stone,
Put me where I may look at him! True peach,
Rosy and flawless: how I earned the prize!
Draw close: that conflagration of my church
-- What then? So much was saved if aught were missed!
My sons, ye would not be my death? Go dig
The white-grape vineyard where the oil-press stood,
Drop water gently till the surface sink,
And if ye find -- Ah God, I know not, I! --
Bedded in store of rotten fig-leaves soft,
And corded up in a tight olive-frail,
Some lump, ah God, of lapis lazuli,
Big as a Jew's head cut off at the nape,
Blue as a vein o'er the Madonna's breast
Sons, all have I bequeathed you, villas, all,
That brave Frascati villa with its bath,
So, let the blue lump poise between my knees,
Like God the Father's globe on both his hands
Ye worship in the Jesu Church so gay,
For Gandolf shall not choose but see and burst!
Swift as a weaver's shuttle fleet our years:
Man goeth to the grave, and where is he?
Did I say basalt for my slab, sons? Black --
'Twas ever antique-black I meant! How else
Shall ye contrast my frieze to come beneath?
The bas-relief in bronze ye promised me.
Those Pans and Nymphs ye wot of, and perchance
Some tripod, thyrsus, with a vase or so,
The Saviour at his sermon on the mount,
Saint Praxed in a glory, and one Pan
Ready to twitch the Nymph's last garment off,
And Moses with the tables -- but I know
Ye mark me not! What do they whisper thee,
Child of my bowels, Anselm? Ah, ye hope
To revel down my villas while I gasp
Bricked o'er with beggar's mouldy travertine
Which Gandolf from his tomb-top chuckles at!
Nay, boys, ye love me -- all of jasper, then!
'Tis jasper ye stand pledged to, lest I grieve.
My bath must needs be left behind, alas!
One block, pure green as a pistachio-nut,
There's plenty jasper somewhere in the world --
And have I not Saint Praxed's ear to pray
Horses for ye, and brown Greek manuscripts,
And mistresses with great smooth marbly limbs?
-- That's if ye carve my epitaph aright,
Choice Latin, picked phrase, Tully's every word,
No gaudy ware like Gandolf's second line --
Tully, my masters? Ulpian serves his need!
And then how I shall lie through centuries,
And hear the blessed mutter of the mass,
And see God made and eaten all day long,
And feel the steady candle-flame, and taste
Good strong thick stupefying incense-smoke!
For as I lie here, hours of the dead night,
Dying in state and by such slow degrees,
I fold my arms as if they clasped a crook,
And stretch my feet forth straight as stone can point,
And let the bedclothes, for a mortcloth, drop
Into great laps and folds of sculptor's work:
And as yon tapers dwindle, and strange thoughts
Grow, with a certain humming in my ears,
About the life before I lived this life,
And this life too, popes, cardinals and priests,
Saint Praxed at his sermon on the mount,
Your tall pale mother with her talking eyes,
And new-found agate urns as fresh as day,
And marble's language, Latin pure, discreet,
-- Aha, ELUCESCEBAT quoth our friend?
No Tully, said I, Ulpian at the best!
Evil and brief hath been my pilgrimage.
All lapis, all, sons! Else I give the Pope
My villas! Will ye ever eat my heart?
Ever your eyes were as a lizard's quick,
They glitter like your mother's for my soul,
Or ye would heighten my impoverished frieze,
Piece out its starved design, and fill my vase
With grapes, and add a visor and a Term,
And to the tripod ye would tie a lynx
That in his struggle throws the thyrsus down,
To comfort me on my entablature
Whereon I am to lie till I must ask
"Do I live, am I dead?" There, leave me, there!
For ye have stabbed me with ingratitude
To death -- ye wish it -- God, ye wish it! Stone --
Gritstone, a crumble! Clammy squares which sweat
As if the corpse they keep were oozing through --
And no more lapis to delight the world!
Well, go! I bless ye. Fewer tapers there,
But in a row: and, going, turn your backs
-- Ay, like departing altar-ministrants,
And leave me in my church, the church for peace,
That I may watch at leisure if he leers --
Old Gandolf -- at me, from his onion-stone,
As still he envied me, so fair she was!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church: A Masterpiece of Browning's Art
Robert Browning's "The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church" is a poem that has stood the test of time. Written in 1845, the poem is a monologue in which an Italian bishop, on his deathbed, orders his tomb to be built in the church of Saint Praxed. The bishop is not content with the simple and humble tomb that his nephew proposes, and instead he insists on a grand and ostentatious one, fit for his status and accomplishments.
The poem is a masterpiece of Browning's art, showcasing his mastery of dramatic monologue, his skill in characterisation, and his acute perception of human psychology. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of the poem, unpacking its themes, motifs, and devices, and situating it within Browning's oeuvre and the literary context of his time.
The Bishop's Ego and Ambition
At the heart of the poem lies the bishop's ego and ambition. He is a man who has achieved great power, wealth, and influence in his life, rising from humble origins through his wit, charm, and cunning. He has accumulated vast treasures, including jewels, paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts, which he displays in his palace and gifts to his friends and allies. He has also made enemies, whom he has outwitted and suppressed, and whom he delights in insulting and mocking in his final moments.
The bishop is, in short, a man who has lived for himself and his own glory, and who is determined to extend his legacy beyond the grave. He sees his tomb as a symbol of his greatness, a monument that will outlast him and proclaim his achievements to posterity. He is not content with a simple and humble tomb, but insists on a lavish and magnificent one, embellished with all the finest materials and ornaments that money can buy. He is also obsessed with the details of the tomb, specifying the precise style, dimensions, and decorations that he desires, and belittling his nephew's ignorance and incompetence in carrying out his orders.
The bishop's ego and ambition are, of course, his downfall. He is blind to the fact that his legacy will be tainted by his vanity and pride, and that his treasures will be scattered and forgotten after his death. He is also blind to the fact that his tomb will not bring him true immortality, but rather expose him to ridicule and contempt from future generations. His fixation on his own glory blinds him to the beauty and significance of the world around him, and to the love and compassion that he has neglected and rejected in his life.
The Bishop's Relationship with Art and Religion
The bishop's ego and ambition are also reflected in his relationship with art and religion. He sees art as a means of glorifying himself, rather than as a means of expressing beauty and truth. He collects art not out of genuine appreciation, but out of a desire to impress and intimidate others. He sees his art collection as a reflection of his taste and refinement, rather than as a source of inspiration and enlightenment. He is also dismissive of the religious significance of art, seeing it as a mere vehicle for his own aggrandisement.
The bishop's relationship with religion is similarly tainted by his ego and ambition. He sees religion as a means of establishing his authority and control over others, rather than as a means of seeking spiritual guidance and salvation. He uses religion to justify his own actions and desires, rather than to humble himself before a higher power. He is dismissive of the simple and humble faith of the common people, seeing it as a mark of their ignorance and superstition. He is also dismissive of the natural world, seeing it as a mere backdrop for his own achievements, rather than as a manifestation of divine creation and beauty.
The Poetic Devices of the Poem
Browning's use of poetic devices in the poem is masterful, adding depth and complexity to the bishop's character and themes. One of the most striking devices is the use of irony and satire. Browning portrays the bishop's ego and ambition as foolish and pathetic, rather than admirable or heroic. He exposes the bishop's hypocrisy and shallowness, making him a figure of ridicule and scorn. He also employs wit and humour, mocking the bishop's pretensions and delusions, and the absurdity of his situation.
Another device that Browning uses is the use of imagery and symbolism. The poem is rich in visual and sensory details, evoking the colours, textures, and sounds of the bishop's world. Browning also uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and associations, such as the bishop's fascination with jewels and precious metals, which symbolise his greed and materialism, and the bishop's obsession with the details of his tomb, which symbolise his vanity and desire for control.
Browning also uses structure and form to enhance the poem's impact. The poem is a dramatic monologue, allowing the bishop's voice and perspective to dominate the narrative. Browning also uses enjambment, caesura, and rhythm to create a flowing and musical verse, which mimics the bishop's own eloquence and grandeur. He also uses repetition and variation to emphasise key phrases and ideas, such as the bishop's refrain of "Well, well, sir!" and his obsession with the word "porphyry".
Browning's Oeuvre and Literary Context
"The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church" is a quintessential Browning poem, showcasing his signature style and themes. Browning was a master of dramatic monologue, using it to explore the complexities of human psychology and morality. He was also a keen observer of social and cultural trends, and a critic of the excesses and follies of his time. The bishop's ego and ambition, and his relationship with art and religion, reflect the Victorian era's preoccupation with materialism, progress, and individualism, as well as its tensions between secularism and religion.
"The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church" also anticipates Browning's later works, such as "Fra Lippo Lippi" and "Andrea del Sarto", in which he explores the lives and struggles of artists and artisans, and their relationship with society and religion. Browning's interest in the arts and their social and moral implications, as well as his exploration of the human psyche and its contradictions, would influence generations of writers and thinkers, from T.S. Eliot to Virginia Woolf.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church" is a masterpiece of Browning's art, showcasing his mastery of dramatic monologue, his skill in characterisation, and his acute perception of human psychology. The poem is a scathing satire of the bishop's ego and ambition, his relationship with art and religion, and his obsession with his own legacy. It is also a striking example of Browning's use of poetic devices, and a reflection of the Victorian era's social and cultural trends. The poem's enduring relevance and impact attest to Browning's status as a major figure in English literature, and to his ability to capture the complexities and contradictions of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church: A Masterpiece of Victorian Poetry
Robert Browning's "The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in 1845, this poem is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that explores the themes of power, pride, and mortality. In this article, we will analyze and explain this poem in detail, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.
Structure
The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the bishop as the speaker. The bishop is addressing his nephew, who is also his heir, and is giving him instructions on how to construct his tomb at Saint Praxed's Church. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different focus.
In the first stanza, the bishop describes the location of his tomb and the materials he wants it made of. He wants it to be made of "verde antique" and "porphyry," two expensive and rare stones. He also wants it to be located in the choir of the church, where it will be visible to all.
In the second stanza, the bishop describes the design of his tomb. He wants it to be decorated with images of himself and his accomplishments, including his coat of arms and his mitre. He also wants it to be adorned with precious stones and gold.
In the third stanza, the bishop reflects on his life and accomplishments. He boasts about his power and influence, and how he has used it to build the church and increase his wealth. He also reflects on his sins and asks for forgiveness.
In the final stanza, the bishop turns his attention to his nephew and warns him about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. He tells him that he must be humble and obedient to God if he wants to avoid the same fate as him.
Language
The language of the poem is rich and complex, with a mix of formal and informal language. The bishop speaks in a grandiose and pompous tone, using elaborate language to describe his tomb and his accomplishments. He uses Latin phrases and references to classical literature to show off his education and sophistication.
The language also reflects the bishop's pride and arrogance. He boasts about his power and influence, and how he has used it to build the church and increase his wealth. He also reflects on his sins and asks for forgiveness, but his tone suggests that he believes he is above reproach.
The language of the poem also reflects the bishop's mortality. He knows that he is going to die soon and wants to ensure that his legacy lives on through his tomb. He wants it to be grand and impressive, a testament to his power and influence.
Meaning
The poem explores the themes of power, pride, and mortality. The bishop is a powerful and influential figure, but his power has made him arrogant and prideful. He wants his tomb to be grand and impressive, a testament to his power and influence. He believes that his legacy will live on through his tomb, but he is also aware of his mortality.
The poem also explores the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. The bishop warns his nephew about the dangers of pride and how it can lead to downfall. He tells him that he must be humble and obedient to God if he wants to avoid the same fate as him.
The poem also reflects the Victorian obsession with death and the afterlife. The bishop is obsessed with his tomb and wants it to be grand and impressive. He believes that his legacy will live on through his tomb, but he is also aware of his mortality. He reflects on his sins and asks for forgiveness, suggesting that he is aware of the importance of preparing for the afterlife.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Bishop Orders His Tomb At Saint Praxed's Church" is a masterpiece of Victorian poetry that explores the themes of power, pride, and mortality. The poem is structured as a dramatic monologue, with the bishop as the speaker. The language of the poem is rich and complex, reflecting the bishop's pride and arrogance. The poem also explores the dangers of pride and the importance of humility. Overall, this poem is a testament to Browning's skill as a poet and his ability to explore complex themes in a powerful and evocative way.
Editor Recommended Sites
NLP Systems: Natural language processing systems, and open large language model guides, fine-tuning tutorials helpKotlin Systems: Programming in kotlin tutorial, guides and best practice
You could have invented ...: Learn the most popular tools but from first principles
Dev Make Config: Make configuration files for kubernetes, terraform, liquibase, declarative yaml interfaces. Better visual UIs
Kids Books: Reading books for kids. Learn programming for kids: Scratch, Python. Learn AI for kids
Recommended Similar Analysis
what if a much of a which of a wind... (XX) by e.e. cummings analysisA Question by Robert Frost analysis
Sonnet LX by William Shakespeare analysis
First Party At Ken Kesey's With Hell's Angels by Allen Ginsberg analysis
Human Life by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
My November Guest by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Japan by Billy Collins analysis
Ashes Of Soldiers by Walt Whitman analysis
Dejection: An Ode by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Crossing the Bar by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysis