Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Elinor Wylie's poem "The Innocents" explores themes of innocence, sacrifice, and the juxtaposition of wealth and suffering. Through vivid imagery and symbolic narrative, Wylie weaves a tale that delves into the biblical story of Herod's massacre of the innocents, reflecting on themes of power, compassion, and redemption.

The poem begins with the speaker setting out on a symbolic journey, "When the cock in the dish / Crew 'Christus natus est!'" This opening line evokes the announcement of Christ’s birth, setting a religious and historical context. The speaker, driven by a wish, rides "from the west," embarking on a quest that intersects with themes of prophecy and destiny.

The imagery of "ditches...piled / With young children dying" introduces the stark reality of Herod's massacre, a chilling contrast to the celebratory announcement of Christ's birth. This setting conveys the brutality of Herod's decree and the widespread suffering it caused. Among the chaos, the speaker observes "Herod's child / In a gold cradle lying," a symbol of wealth and privilege amidst tragedy.

Wylie continues to highlight the disparity between power and innocence by describing the child with "a silver spoon / Was in the child's mouth," a traditional symbol of privilege. The spoon, "bright as a candle / And heavy as lead," suggests both the allure and the burden of wealth. The carving of "John Baptist's head" on the handle adds a layer of religious symbolism, invoking the martyrdom of John the Baptist and foreshadowing themes of sacrifice and redemption.

The speaker’s actions—climbing "like a cat" and stealing the silver spoon—reflect a subversion of power and wealth. By hammering it "flat / To a silver petal," the speaker transforms a symbol of privilege into one of beauty and fragility. This act of transformation continues with the creation of a "silver bell / To echo the grief / Of Israel," symbolizing the collective mourning and suffering of the innocent.

The bell becomes a voice for the "dead...dumb," speaking on behalf of those who cannot. The speaker's journey leads them to Bethlehem, where they encounter Mary and the Christ child. The description of "Mary's mantle / Covered the Christ" and the spices of "myrrh and santal" evokes the reverence and sanctity of the nativity scene.

The sound of the bell, "like a young child lost," captures the haunting grief and vulnerability of the innocents. The bell's ambiguous nature—"a bird / Or a shaken bud"—speaks to its dual role as both a symbol of innocence and a harbinger of loss. The "color of blood" in the word it speaks underscores the theme of sacrifice and suffering.

In a poignant moment, the Christ child "sat up / In Mary's lap," acknowledging the bell and its significance. The plea to "take this bell / And stifle its breath" reflects a desire to end suffering and silence the reminder of death that has wearied Israel. The instruction to give the bell to "Herod's boy / To quiet his crying" suggests an act of compassion and redemption, offering solace to even those complicit in the suffering.

"The Innocents" is a complex meditation on themes of innocence, power, and redemption. Through her masterful use of imagery and symbolism, Elinor Wylie captures the profound tension between wealth and suffering, power and vulnerability. The poem invites readers to reflect on the enduring impact of sacrifice and compassion in a world marked by injustice and loss. Wylie’s narrative ultimately offers a vision of transformation and hope, where beauty and grace emerge from the depths of tragedy.

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