'Psalm 88' by John Milton


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The Poetical Works of John Milton1648Lord God that dost me save and keep,
All day to thee I cry;
And all night long, before thee weep
Before thee prostrate lie.
Into thy presence let my praier
With sighs devout ascend
And to my cries, that ceaseless are,
Thine ear with favour bend.
For cloy'd with woes and trouble store
Surcharg'd my Soul doth lie,My life at death's uncherful dore
Unto the grave draws nigh.
Reck'n'd I am with them that pass
Down to the dismal pit
I am a *man, but weak alas* Heb. A man without manly
And for that name unfit.strength.
From life discharg'd and parted quite
Among the dead to sleep
And like the slain in bloody fight
That in the grave lie deep.Whom thou rememberest no more,
Dost never more regard,
Them from thy hand deliver'd o're
Deaths hideous house hath barr'd.
Thou in the lowest pit profound'
Hast set me all forlorn,
Where thickest darkness hovers round,
In horrid deeps to mourn.
Thy wrath from which no shelter saves
Full sore doth press on me;*Thou break'st upon me all thy waves,*The Heb.
*And all thy waves break mebears both.
Thou dost my friends from me estrange,
And mak'st me odious,
Me to them odious, for they change,
And I here pent up thus.
Through sorrow, and affliction great
Mine eye grows dim and dead,
Lord all the day I thee entreat,
My hands to thee I spread.Wilt thou do wonders on the dead,
Shall the deceas'd arise
And praise thee from their loathsom bed
With pale and hollow eyes ?
Shall they thy loving kindness tell
On whom the grave hath hold,
Or they who in perdition dwell
Thy faithfulness unfold?
In darkness can thy mighty hand
Or wondrous acts be known,Thy justice in the gloomy land
Of dark oblivion?
But I to thee O Lord do cry
E're yet my life be spent,
And up to thee my praier doth hie
Each morn, and thee prevent.
Why wilt thou Lord my soul forsake,
And hide thy face from me,
That am already bruis'd, and *shake*Heb. Prae Concussione.
With terror sent from thee;Bruz'd, and afflicted and so low
As ready to expire,
While I thy terrors undergo
Astonish'd with thine ire.
Thy fierce wrath over me doth flow
Thy threatnings cut me through.
All day they round about me go,
Like waves they me persue.
Lover and friend thou hast remov'd
And sever'd from me far.They fly me now whom I have lov'd,
And as in darkness are.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into the Dark World of Psalm 88 by John Milton

As one of the greatest poets in English literature, John Milton has left us with many pieces of art that continue to fascinate and inspire us. Among his works, "Psalm 88" stands out as a masterpiece of religious poetry that explores the depths of human suffering and despair. In this literary criticism, we will delve into the various aspects of this powerful poem, examining its themes, imagery, and language, and uncovering the hidden meanings that lie beneath its surface. So, let's dive in and explore the dark world of Psalm 88.

Background and Context

Before we start our analysis, it is important to understand the background and context in which "Psalm 88" was written. As its title suggests, this poem is based on Psalm 88 from the Old Testament, which is known as one of the most depressing and gloomy psalms in the Bible. The psalmist, who is believed to be Heman the Ezrahite, speaks of his deep despair and suffering, crying out to God for mercy and help. In Milton's poem, the psalmist's voice is amplified and intensified, as the poet puts his own poetic spin on the biblical text. Milton wrote "Psalm 88" during a period of great turmoil and suffering in his own life. He was blind, in ill health, and politically isolated, having lost his position as a civil servant after the Restoration of the monarchy. Therefore, it is likely that Milton's own struggles and sense of isolation influenced his interpretation and treatment of the psalm.

Themes

At its core, "Psalm 88" is a poem about suffering and despair. The psalmist's voice is one of extreme anguish and hopelessness, as he describes his physical and emotional pain in vivid detail. He feels abandoned by God and rejected by his fellow humans, and his only recourse is to cry out in desperation. The theme of abandonment and isolation is a recurring motif in the poem, as the psalmist feels cut off from the world and trapped in his own despair. This sense of isolation is further reinforced by the dark and dreary imagery that pervades the poem, such as the "depths of the pit" and the "land of forgetfulness."

Another key theme in "Psalm 88" is the idea of divine justice and punishment. The psalmist believes that his suffering is a result of God's wrath and judgment, and he pleads for mercy and forgiveness. This tension between justice and mercy is a common theme in religious poetry, and Milton explores it with great skill and insight. While the psalmist acknowledges his own sinfulness and guilt, he also protests against the severity of his punishment, asking why God has "cast off [his] soul" and why he hides his face from him.

Finally, "Psalm 88" can be seen as a meditation on the human condition and the fragility of life. The psalmist's intense suffering and despair can be seen as a reflection of the universal human experience of pain and loss. His cries for mercy and help are a testament to the innate human need for connection and support. In this sense, the poem transcends its religious context and speaks to a broader human audience.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Psalm 88" is its vivid and evocative imagery. Milton uses a wide range of metaphors and similes to convey the psalmist's sense of despair and hopelessness. For example, the psalmist compares his suffering to drowning in a raging sea, as he says, "Thy wrath lies hard upon me, and my soul/Is troubled sore, and vexed exceedingly/Like waves on waves, like clouds on clouds, do roll." This image of the sea as a symbol of chaos and danger is a recurring motif in literature, and Milton uses it to great effect here.

Another powerful image in the poem is that of the grave or the pit. The psalmist describes himself as being "free among the dead" and cries out, "Wilt thou shew wonders to the dead?/Shall the dead arise and praise thee?" This image of the grave as a place of silence and darkness underscores the psalmist's sense of isolation and despair.

Finally, Milton also employs a number of images related to light and darkness, which are common themes in religious poetry. The psalmist speaks of God's light as a source of salvation and hope, but also of his own darkness and blindness. He says, "Thou hast put away mine acquaintance far from me;/Thou hast made me an abomination unto them:/I am shut up, and I cannot come forth./Mine eye mourneth by reason of affliction:/Lord, I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out my hands unto thee." This image of darkness and blindness is a powerful metaphor for the psalmist's sense of spiritual and emotional isolation.

Language

Milton's use of language in "Psalm 88" is masterful, as he combines biblical language with his own poetic style to create a unique and powerful voice. The poem is written in blank verse, which gives it a sense of rhythm and structure that echoes the biblical psalm. However, Milton also adds his own poetic flourishes, such as the use of alliteration and assonance, to create a sense of musicality and beauty. For example, he writes, "For thy arrows stick fast in me,/And thy hand presseth me sore./There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger;/Neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin."

Milton's language also reflects his own political and religious views. Throughout the poem, he emphasizes the importance of individual conscience and the right to free thought and expression. He writes, "Shall thy lovingkindness be declared in the grave?/Or thy faithfulness in destruction?" This emphasis on free thought and expression is a hallmark of Milton's political and religious philosophy, and he uses it to great effect in "Psalm 88."

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Psalm 88" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the depths of human suffering and despair. Through its themes, imagery, and language, Milton creates a unique and unforgettable voice that speaks to the universal human experience. Whether viewed as a religious meditation or a reflection on the human condition, "Psalm 88" remains one of Milton's most enduring and significant works. Its message of hope and redemption in the face of despair continues to resonate with readers today, and its power and beauty are a testament to Milton's enduring legacy as one of the greatest poets in English literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Psalm 88 is a classic poem written by John Milton, one of the greatest poets of all time. This poem is a powerful expression of the human condition, and it speaks to the struggles and challenges that we all face in life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs of Psalm 88, and we will examine the ways in which Milton uses language and imagery to convey his message.

The poem begins with a cry of despair: "O Lord, the God of my salvation, I have cried out by day and in the night before thee." This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, which is a lamentation of the speaker's suffering and pain. The speaker is in a state of deep distress, and he feels abandoned by God. He cries out for help, but he receives no answer. This sense of abandonment is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it is one of the most powerful and poignant aspects of Milton's writing.

As the poem progresses, the speaker describes his suffering in vivid detail. He speaks of his physical pain, his emotional anguish, and his spiritual turmoil. He describes himself as being "full of troubles" and "near to death." He feels as though he is drowning in a sea of sorrow, and he cannot find a way out. This sense of hopelessness is another recurring theme in the poem, and it is one that many readers can relate to.

Despite his suffering, the speaker never loses faith in God. He continues to cry out for help, even though he feels as though his prayers are falling on deaf ears. He acknowledges that God is the only one who can save him, and he begs for mercy. This sense of faith and devotion is another powerful aspect of the poem, and it is one that sets it apart from other works of literature.

Throughout the poem, Milton uses language and imagery to convey the speaker's emotions. He uses metaphors and similes to describe the speaker's pain, and he uses alliteration and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, in the following lines, Milton uses alliteration to create a sense of urgency and desperation:

"For my soul is full of troubles, And my life draws near to Sheol."

This use of language is one of the most striking aspects of the poem, and it is one that makes it so memorable and powerful.

Another important aspect of Psalm 88 is its use of biblical imagery and allusions. Milton was a deeply religious man, and he drew heavily on the Bible in his writing. In this poem, he references several biblical stories and characters, including Job, Jonah, and David. These allusions serve to deepen the poem's meaning and to connect it to a larger tradition of religious literature.

One of the most interesting aspects of Psalm 88 is its ambiguity. The poem does not offer any easy answers or solutions to the speaker's problems. Instead, it leaves the reader with a sense of uncertainty and unease. This ambiguity is intentional, and it serves to underscore the complexity of the human condition. Milton is not interested in providing a simple moral lesson or a happy ending. Instead, he wants to explore the depths of human suffering and to challenge his readers to confront the difficult questions of existence.

In conclusion, Psalm 88 is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the struggles and challenges of the human condition. It is a testament to the power of language and imagery, and it is a reminder of the importance of faith and devotion in times of hardship. Milton's writing is both beautiful and haunting, and it continues to resonate with readers today. If you have not yet had the opportunity to read this classic poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a work of art that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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