Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"David" by John Stuart Blackie is a narrative poem that provides a vivid representation of the biblical figure, David. The poem is a sweeping account of David's life, from his humble beginnings as a shepherd to his ascension as a revered king. As a part of Blackie's oeuvre, this poem, much like "Cromwell," embodies his penchant for historical and religious themes.

Provenance:

John Stuart Blackie was a Scottish scholar and man of letters. His interest in religion, languages, and history is evident in his work, and "David" is no exception. The poem delves into biblical history, reflecting on the life and deeds of David, the shepherd who became the king of Israel.

Context:

The poem was written during the Victorian era, a time when religion played a significant role in society. Biblical themes were common in the literature of the era, used to convey moral lessons and reflect on human nature. In "David," Blackie uses the biblical figure to explore themes of bravery, divine intervention, and the rise to power.

Theme Analysis:

Divine Intervention: The poem underscores the theme of divine intervention in human affairs, with God choosing David to be king. This is evident in lines like "To be ruler of the people, Samuel's prophet-eye did choose." God's hand is apparent in David's rise to power and his victories.

Bravery and Courage: The poem highlights David's bravery, particularly in the face of Goliath. His calm composure, faith, and courage are highlighted: "And he prayed the God of battles, And in 'mid the host alone, Prostrate laid the boastful champion With a sling and with a stone."

The Rise to Power: The poem charts David's journey from a shepherd to the king, reinforcing the theme of the rise to power from humble origins. It reflects on the power dynamics, political maneuvers, and the challenges that David faced and overcame to ascend to the throne.

Poetic Devices:

Rhyme: The poem employs an AABB rhyme scheme, which contributes to the lyrical quality of the narrative and allows for a rhythmic reading.

Imagery: The poem uses vibrant imagery to bring to life the events of David's life, such as his battle with Goliath and his dance before the Ark. This technique helps readers visualize the narrative.

Allusion: The poem is replete with biblical allusions, as it recounts the life of David, a central figure in the Old Testament.

Metaphor: The poet uses metaphor to emphasize David's transformation, such as the depiction of hostile forces as "worse than lions" and "Tiger-hearted, bloody men."

Repetition: Blackie employs repetition to underline the central themes. For instance, the phrase "Quailed the armies of the people" is repeated to highlight the fear in the face of Goliath's challenge, emphasizing David's bravery.

Conclusion:

"David" by John Stuart Blackie offers a rich portrayal of a central biblical figure, exploring themes of divine intervention, bravery, and the rise to power. By employing various poetic devices such as rhyme, imagery, allusion, metaphor, and repetition, Blackie provides a vibrant depiction of David's life and accomplishments. This poem contributes to our understanding of Blackie's work, illustrating his prowess in fusing religious and historical themes within traditional poetic forms.

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