Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Durrell’s "Small Scripture" is a dense and enigmatic poem that weaves together religious symbolism, mythological references, and meditations on human suffering and redemption. Through its layered imagery and allusive language, the poem challenges the reader to explore themes of resurrection, self-destruction, and the duality inherent in the human experience.

The poem opens with a reference to an "angler by Bethlehem's water," immediately invoking Christian imagery and the biblical setting of Christ’s birth. The angler, traditionally a figure of patience and contemplation, is described as casting down his "trance" like a "sad tree," suggesting a sense of despair or futility in his actions. This sets the tone for the poem, where spiritual longing and existential questioning intertwine. The "needle of resurrection" mentioned in the same breath raises questions about the efficacy of spiritual salvation, as it is juxtaposed with the notion of a "bat-like soul for the father Adam." This bat-like soul, perhaps a metaphor for a restless or wandering spirit, contrasts sharply with the idea of resurrection, which traditionally signifies renewal and eternal life.

Durrell then critiques the reduction of profound spiritual truths to "haystacks of common argument." This phrase captures the idea that the essential teachings of the "Fish's living ordinance"—a reference to Christ, often symbolized by a fish—are obscured or lost amid mundane debates and intellectual disputes. The tension between the sacred and the profane is evident here, as the poem laments the loss of true spiritual insight in the face of human pettiness.

The poem’s second stanza introduces the image of a "bleeding egg," which symbolizes both pain and the potential for new life. This duality is central to the poem’s exploration of self-destruction and rebirth, as it describes the "murder of self within murder to reach the Self." This paradoxical phrase suggests that true self-realization can only be achieved through a process of intense inner conflict and transformation. The "grapnel of fury" and the "husband's razor" turned on his daughter in a "weird enchantment" evoke violent and disturbing imagery, suggesting that this process of self-discovery is fraught with danger and suffering.

The "iron mask from the iron man" represents the hardened, inauthentic self that must be stripped away to reveal the true self beneath. The "troubled elf," a metaphor for the human soul, is depicted as being caught in this struggle, torn between its higher aspirations and the brutal realities of existence. Durrell’s use of mythical and fairy tale elements here deepens the sense of a universal, timeless struggle for identity and meaning.

In the third stanza, the poem shifts focus to the "cyclop's monstrous ration," referencing the one-eyed giant of Greek mythology. This figure, with his singular vision, contrasts with the "face [that] looked forward to Heliopolis," an ancient city associated with the sun and enlightenment. The face’s anticipation of Heliopolis suggests a yearning for spiritual illumination and escape from the limitations of a narrow, cyclopean perspective. The "exilic lovers" who are "God-bound near Eden on the crutches of guilt" introduce a theme of exile and longing, as these figures are trapped between divine aspiration and the burden of guilt.

The image of a face "aimed like a pistol through the yellow eyes" is striking, combining the concepts of vision and violence. The "yellow eyes" may symbolize jaundice or corruption, suggesting that the truth is often obscured by the flaws in human perception. The stanza concludes with a direct address to the reader: "Your heart and mine know the truth of this," emphasizing the shared human experience of grappling with these deep existential and spiritual questions.

The final stanza brings the poem’s themes into sharper focus, referencing "the double Jesus, the nonpareil." This figure represents the dual nature of Christ as both divine and human, and by extension, the duality within all of humanity. The image of Christ "whose thought snapped Jordan like a dam" conveys the immense power of spiritual truth to break down barriers and unleash transformative forces. The reference to "Darling and bully with the bloody taws" further underscores this duality, as Christ is portrayed both as a beloved figure and as a harsh disciplinarian.

The stanza culminates in the powerful image of Christ "walk[ing] in this tall queen by the green lake," marrying both aspects of his nature "when the aching nail sank home." This line evokes the crucifixion, where Christ’s dual role as both savior and sacrifice is fully realized. The final exhortation, "Weep for the lion, kneel to the lamb," encapsulates the poem’s exploration of the coexistence of strength and gentleness, power and humility, in the figure of Christ and in the human condition as a whole.

In "Small Scripture," Durrell presents a complex and thought-provoking meditation on the nature of spiritual truth, the human struggle for self-realization, and the dualities that define existence. Through his rich use of symbolism and allusion, Durrell invites readers to reflect on the profound challenges of reconciling the sacred and the profane, the divine and the human, in their own lives. The poem’s dense and enigmatic language mirrors the complexity of these themes, offering no easy answers but instead prompting deep reflection and introspection.

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