Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE DEATH OF SAUL, by PHILIP LEVINE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"The Death of Saul" is a poem by Philip Levine, which was first published in his collection "They Feed The Lion" in 1972. The poem is a meditation on the biblical story of Saul and his tragic end. Levine uses the story to explore themes of power, corruption, and the inevitable march of time.

Explanation:

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with six lines. The first stanza describes the moment when Saul realizes that he has lost the battle and that he will die. The second stanza focuses on the chaos and violence that ensues as the battle rages on. The third stanza describes Saul's final moments, as he falls on his own sword. The final stanza reflects on the legacy of Saul and the inevitability of death.

Poetic Elements:

Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The use of stanzas, however, provides a sense of structure and organization.
Imagery: Levine uses vivid, sensory language throughout the poem to create a sense of immediacy and intensity. For example, in the second stanza, he describes "The great, low sky of flame that seared the eyes." This image evokes the chaos and violence of the battle.
Allusion: The poem references the biblical story of Saul and his tragic end. Levine uses this story to explore universal themes of power, corruption, and mortality.
Tone: The tone of the poem is somber and reflective. Levine's use of language and imagery creates a sense of sadness and inevitability.

Conclusion:

"The Death of Saul" is a powerful meditation on the inevitability of death and the corrupting influence of power. Levine uses the biblical story of Saul to explore these themes, creating a sense of urgency and intensity through his use of language and imagery. The poem ultimately reflects on the legacy of Saul and the fleeting nature of human existence.

Poem Snippet:

"Even the conqueror wept

for the corpse of the giant

who burned with such a flame

and knew the sweetness of death,

as we too must sooner or later,

know the sweetness of dying."