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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"God of This World" by Howard Nemerov is a brief but potent poem that packs a significant punch in its two lines. The poem's concise structure and stark language deliver a powerful commentary on human nature, faith, and the human condition, particularly in times of crisis. "He smiles to see His children, born to sin, Digging those foxholes there are no atheists in." In the first line, "He smiles to see His children, born to sin," Nemerov presents a portrayal of a deity observing humanity. The use of "smiles" suggests a complex mix of emotions—perhaps amusement, irony, or even a detached benevolence. The phrase "born to sin" alludes to the Christian concept of original sin, implying that humans are inherently flawed or predisposed to moral failings from birth. This portrayal sets up a contrast between divine perspective and human actions. The second line, "Digging those foxholes there are no atheists in," references the well-known saying, "There are no atheists in foxholes," which suggests that in extreme stress or danger, such as in wartime, everyone tends to turn to belief in a higher power. The image of "digging those foxholes" evokes scenes of war, desperation, and survival. Foxholes, being makeshift trenches used by soldiers, symbolize the dire circumstances that strip away pretense and reveal fundamental human instincts and beliefs. The juxtaposition of the two lines creates a stark commentary on faith and human behavior. The divine smile could be interpreted as a knowing, almost ironic acknowledgment of the inevitability of human behavior in crisis. Despite being "born to sin," in moments of extreme peril, humans instinctively seek refuge in faith, suggesting an inherent need for belief, even among those who might typically reject it. The poem's brevity and sharp imagery underscore its thematic depth, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of belief, the human propensity for sin, and the profound ways in which crisis shapes faith. "God of This World" succinctly captures the paradoxes of human nature and the complexities of our relationship with the divine.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A VAGABOND SONG by BLISS CARMAN ABSALOM AND ACHITOPHEL by JOHN DRYDEN CURIOSITY by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR NOTHING GOLD CAN STAY by ROBERT FROST FALSTAFF'S SONG by EDMUND CLARENCE STEDMAN THE PRAYSE OF LADY PECUNIA by RICHARD BARNFIELD THE GREY MONK by WILLIAM BLAKE BUILDING THE LIBRARY, TOKYO UNIVERSITY; NIGHT SCENE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN |
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