Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner’s poem “Sarah’s Choice” reimagines a pivotal biblical story through the lens of Sarah, mother of Isaac. This retelling captures the emotional and moral complexities surrounding the command to sacrifice Isaac, providing a voice to Sarah, often silent in traditional narratives. Through vivid imagery and introspective dialogue, Wilner explores themes of faith, authority, and maternal love.

The poem begins by setting a scene of serene beauty, where the desert in winter bloom contrasts sharply with the harsh command that soon follows. God’s presence is depicted as an ancient, implacable force, moving among the tents and branding hearts rather than leaving physical footprints. This sets the stage for the divine demand that shatters Sarah's peace: "Go! Take your son, your only son, whom you love, take him to the mountain, bind him and make of him a burnt offering." This command, delivered with an authoritative finality, is incomprehensible and cruel, especially to a mother who cherishes her late-born son as a divine gift.

Wilner delves into Sarah’s internal struggle, portraying her as a woman caught between divine authority and maternal instinct. She questions the justice and morality of the command, imagining the agony of taking a knife to her son’s trusting heart and setting a pyre alight with his future. The absurdity and horror of the demand highlight Sarah's humanity and her profound love for Isaac.

In a pivotal moment, Sarah confronts the Voice of God with defiance: "No," she says, refusing to be complicit in the sacrifice. Her reasoning is both rational and maternal, recognizing the contradiction in God’s promise of a great nation through Isaac and the command to sacrifice him. Sarah’s refusal is a bold act of autonomy and moral clarity, positioning her as a protector of her child against an unfathomable divine decree.

The poem then shifts to a tender, intimate scene between Sarah and Isaac. She awakens her son, who seems instinctively aware of the impending danger, and imparts her hard-won wisdom: “You can be chosen or you can choose. Not both.” This statement encapsulates the core of Sarah’s revelation—that true agency lies in making choices, not in passively accepting destiny as dictated by external forces. Sarah’s guidance is grounded in a profound understanding of the human condition and the dangers of blind obedience to authority.

Sarah’s plan to seek out Hagar and Ishmael introduces a theme of reconciliation and unity. Her resolve to correct past wrongs, driven by pride and divine promises, underscores her growth and determination to foster understanding between Isaac and Ishmael. This decision to reunite the estranged brothers highlights the potential for healing and the importance of acknowledging shared humanity.

The poem concludes with a poignant exchange between Sarah and Isaac. When Isaac asks what will happen if they leave, Sarah admits her uncertainty: “I don’t know,” she says, embodying the courageous leap into the unknown that defines true choice. Her final words, “But it is written what will happen if you stay,” emphasize the inevitability of suffering and conflict should they adhere to the path laid out by an unyielding divine will.

“Sarah’s Choice” is a powerful meditation on faith, agency, and maternal love. Through her nuanced portrayal of Sarah, Wilner challenges readers to reconsider the traditional narratives of obedience and sacrifice, offering instead a vision of resistance, autonomy, and the enduring strength of a mother’s love. The poem’s rich imagery and introspective dialogue invite reflection on the complexities of faith and the moral imperatives that shape our lives.

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