Allegory Makes Simple
Caedmon: I'm so glad you asked.
Allegory, though seeming masked,
Often conveys truths hidden deep
Within our hearts' sultry sound sleep.
My friend Milton, blessed be he,
Used this technique so all could see
The power of God's intentions
Though never once Earth he mentions.
Bible drawn, this be so granted,
Stories we all know, though slanted
Interpretations we all use:
In our life, and in church abuse.
Allegory, that Plato's charm,
Is actually quite the harm
To those with such limited sight,
Who mangle the author's true might -
With simple interpretation
And such lame imagination.
Comments
The allegory of Milton's story was only for the authors glory.
Fat words he puts in every sentence. Great pretense is his scholarly reference.
What really does he say of God or men that's not been said centuries before him?
A wanton's cause this "puritan" writes for; Satan.
A foul thane who foe became against his Lord to man's folly.
Portrayed as an honorable knight awash in tragedy.
He prized pride above the priviledge brought by loyalty.
He payed the price posited for rebellion in hell's ignomy.
Why would a poet write
So positively
Of the bringer of night?
Or speak so snidely
Gainst God's might?
Posted by: Bertilak's Lady | July 23, 2007 11:46 PM
The allegory of Milton's story was only for the authors glory.
Fat words he puts in every sentence. Great pretense is his scholarly reference.
What really does he say of God or men that's not been said centuries before him?
A wanton's cause this "puritan" writes for; Satan.
A foul thane who foe became against his Lord to man's folly.
Portrayed as an honorable knight awash in tragedy.
He prized pride above the priviledge brought by loyalty.
He payed the price posited for rebellion in hell's ignomy.
Why would a poet write
So positively
Of the bringer of night?
Or speak so snidely
Gainst God's might?
Posted by: Bertilak's Lady | July 23, 2007 11:46 PM
The allegory of Milton's story was only for the authors glory.
Fat words he puts in every sentence. Great pretense is his scholarly reference.
What really does he say of God or men that's not been said centuries before him?
A wanton's cause this "puritan" writes for; Satan.
A foul thane who foe became against his Lord to man's folly.
Portrayed as an honorable knight awash in tragedy.
He prized pride above the priviledge brought by loyalty.
He payed the price posited for rebellion in hell's ignomy.
Why would a poet write
So positively
Of the bringer of night?
Or speak so snidely
Gainst God's might?
Posted by: Bertilak's Lady | July 23, 2007 11:47 PM
Is Dryden's dutiful dirge duller then,
with only one interpretation to eye?
Given its part as precipitous proesy,
judiciously jury-rigger, and pre-judger,
this tale is told for no tall purpose
but to influence, and advise the era it addresses.
It is real rhetoric, though rhetoric well-read;
do not believe a tale of David is decoded therein
the vellum-thin veil of vain allegory
distracts the direction more than determines it.
Posted by: Beowulf | July 25, 2007 6:59 PM