'The Dying Of Pere Pierre' by John McCrae


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". . . with two other priests; the same night he died,
and was buried by the shores of the lake that bears his name."
Chronicle.



"Nay, grieve not that ye can no honour give
To these poor bones that presently must be
But carrion; since I have sought to live
Upon God's earth, as He hath guided me,
I shall not lack!Where would ye have me lie?
High heaven is higher than cathedral nave:
Do men paint chancels fairer than the sky?"
Beside the darkened lake they made his grave,
Below the altar of the hills; and night
Swung incense clouds of mist in creeping lines
That twisted through the tree-trunks, where the light
Groped through the arches of the silent pines:
And he, beside the lonely path he trod,
Lay, tombed in splendour, in the House of God.


Editor 1 Interpretation

The Dying Of Pere Pierre: A Masterpiece of Elegiac Poetry

The Dying Of Pere Pierre, a poem written by John McCrae, is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that explores the themes of death, faith, and human suffering. This poem is a perfect example of how a great poet can use language to create a powerful emotional effect on the reader.

The Structure of the Poem

The poem is divided into seven stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The first three stanzas follow the same ABAB rhyme scheme, while the last four stanzas follow the AABB rhyme scheme. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality.

The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The repetition of the ABAB rhyme scheme in the first three stanzas creates a sense of stability and order. This is then disrupted by the change to the AABB rhyme scheme in the last four stanzas, which reflects the chaos and uncertainty of death.

The Themes of the Poem

The Dying Of Pere Pierre explores the themes of death, faith, and human suffering. The poem begins with the image of a dying priest, who is surrounded by his fellow priests. The image of the dying priest is a powerful reminder of our own mortality and the inevitability of death.

The poem then explores the theme of faith, as the dying priest reflects on his life and his belief in God. The priest's faith provides him with comfort and solace in his final moments.

The theme of human suffering is also present in the poem. The image of the dying priest is a reminder of the suffering that we all must endure in life. The poem also explores the idea that suffering can bring us closer to God and give our lives meaning.

The Language of the Poem

The language of The Dying Of Pere Pierre is simple and direct, yet it is also powerful and evocative. The images that McCrae uses are vivid and memorable, and they create a strong emotional response in the reader.

For example, in the first stanza, McCrae writes:

Around the bed, whereon he lay, We pressed, a dim, funereal throng; Aid could avail, there was no stay, And life was ebbing fast and strong.

These lines create a powerful image of the dying priest, surrounded by his fellow priests. The image of the "dim, funereal throng" creates a sense of sadness and loss, while the image of life "ebbing fast and strong" creates a sense of urgency and inevitability.

The language of the poem is also rich in religious imagery and symbolism. For example, in the third stanza, McCrae writes:

His lips moved in a prayer, a sigh, In supplication to the Throne; Then, peacefully as falls the night, He passed, and we were left alone.

These lines use religious language to describe the death of the priest. The image of the priest's lips moving in prayer creates a sense of spiritual transcendence, while the image of his passing being as peaceful as "the night" creates a sense of serenity and calm.

The Message of the Poem

The message of The Dying Of Pere Pierre is clear: death is inevitable and we must all face it eventually. However, the poem also suggests that faith can provide us with comfort and solace in the face of death.

The poem also suggests that suffering can bring us closer to God and give our lives meaning. The image of the dying priest is a powerful reminder of the suffering that we all must endure in life, but it also suggests that this suffering can be a pathway to spiritual growth.

Conclusion

The Dying Of Pere Pierre is a masterpiece of elegiac poetry that explores the themes of death, faith, and human suffering. The structure of the poem is simple yet effective, while the language is powerful and evocative.

The message of the poem is clear and timeless: death is inevitable, but faith can provide us with comfort and solace in the face of this inevitability. The image of the dying priest is a powerful reminder of our own mortality and the importance of living a meaningful life.

Overall, The Dying Of Pere Pierre is a classic poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Dying of Pere Pierre: A Masterpiece of Poetry

John McCrae, a Canadian poet, physician, and soldier, is best known for his iconic poem "In Flanders Fields." However, his lesser-known work, "The Dying of Pere Pierre," is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves recognition and appreciation.

"The Dying of Pere Pierre" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a dying priest, Pere Pierre, who is visited by a young boy named Jacques. The poem is set in a small village in France during the French Revolution, a time of great turmoil and upheaval. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores different themes and emotions.

The first part of the poem introduces us to Pere Pierre, who is lying on his deathbed. He is surrounded by his fellow priests, who are praying for his soul. The scene is somber and melancholic, as the priests mourn the loss of their friend and colleague. However, Pere Pierre is not afraid of death. He has lived a long and fulfilling life, and he is ready to meet his maker. He tells his fellow priests that he is not afraid of death, and that he is looking forward to the peace and rest that awaits him in the afterlife.

The second part of the poem introduces us to Jacques, a young boy who is curious about death. He has heard about Pere Pierre's impending death and has come to visit him. Jacques is fascinated by the idea of death and wants to know more about it. Pere Pierre welcomes Jacques and tells him about his life and his faith. He tells Jacques that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced. He tells Jacques that death is a natural part of life, and that it is only through death that we can achieve eternal life.

The third part of the poem is the most emotional and powerful. It is here that we see the true beauty and depth of McCrae's poetry. Pere Pierre begins to sing a hymn, and his fellow priests join in. The hymn is a celebration of life and death, and it is filled with hope and joy. As they sing, Pere Pierre's spirit begins to lift, and he is filled with a sense of peace and contentment. He knows that he is about to die, but he is not afraid. He is ready to meet his maker, and he is grateful for the life that he has lived.

The poem is a beautiful exploration of life, death, and faith. McCrae's use of language is masterful, and his imagery is vivid and evocative. The poem is filled with religious symbolism and allusions, but it is also accessible to readers of all faiths and backgrounds. The poem is a celebration of life and death, and it reminds us that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced.

In conclusion, "The Dying of Pere Pierre" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated. McCrae's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his exploration of life, death, and faith is both powerful and moving. The poem is a celebration of life and death, and it reminds us that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be embraced. If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of poetry, and it will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

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