Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In the selection from "De Profundis" by Roden Berkeley Wriothesley Noel, the poet delves into themes of spiritual transformation, the relationship between the soul and the body, and the quest for inner harmony. The title, De Profundis—meaning "from the depths"—signals that this is a reflection on profound spiritual and existential matters, as Noel explores the idea that the spirit evolves and transcends its physical form to express itself in ever more refined ways. The poem is imbued with metaphysical imagery, religious symbolism, and a meditation on the human journey toward spiritual union and enlightenment.

The poem begins with the idea that the "spirit grows the form for self-expression," suggesting that the physical body is not merely a vessel, but something that the soul actively shapes to communicate and interact with the world. This connection between the spirit and the body underscores the notion that our physical existence is deeply tied to our inner, spiritual selves. The body, or "form," is presented as a kind of hall or dwelling for the soul, a place where the spirit can hold "high session" with other souls. This meeting of "sister souls" points to the idea of spiritual companionship and the interconnectivity of beings on a higher plane of existence.

Noel';s use of the word "espoused mate" in describing the soul’s companion adds a layer of intimacy, framing the relationship between souls as akin to a marriage—a deep and sacred union. This suggests that the process of spiritual growth is not solitary but communal, with individuals finding harmony and unity with other kindred spirits. The poem’s emphasis on this interconnectedness reinforces the idea that spiritual evolution is a shared journey, with the soul constantly seeking connection and unity.

The concept of transformation is central to the poem, as Noel writes, "Ever the hidden Person will remould / For all our lives fresh organs manifold." Here, the "hidden Person" refers to the deeper, spiritual self that is constantly renewing and reshaping itself. The soul creates new "organs," or ways of expressing itself, as it evolves. Noel contrasts the "gross" or earthly organs with those that are "ethereal" and "heavenly," suggesting that as the spirit ascends, it sheds its coarser, material elements in favor of something finer and more delicate. This idea is echoed in the image of the "larva" that no longer needs its "unliving husk" once it transforms into a butterfly and "rends the dwelling dusk." The image of the butterfly breaking free from its cocoon evokes a sense of spiritual liberation and transcendence, as the soul leaves behind the limitations of the physical world to soar toward something higher.

Noel also explores the soul’s inner complexity by referencing "secret avenues, with doors / Yielding access to inmost chamber floors / Of the soul’s privacy." This image of hidden chambers within the soul suggests that each person possesses deep, private spaces within their spirit that are difficult to access, even for the individual themselves. These chambers represent the innermost aspects of the soul, where the true essence of one’s being resides. The various "frames" or forms of the soul are described as "responsive to the several spirit-flames," indicating that the soul is constantly adapting and evolving in response to different spiritual energies or experiences.

The poem shifts focus when Noel introduces the idea of death and the afterlife, as he describes the "vital form our lost now animate / Is one with what in their low mortal state / They made their own." Here, Noel suggests that after death, the soul’s form is still connected to what it developed or achieved during its earthly existence. The "corse" or corpse is dismissed as mere ashes, no longer needed for any "grand uses of the world." This reflects the idea that the physical body is ultimately temporary, and once the soul transcends it, the body’s purpose is complete.

Noel then introduces the metaphor of the temple to describe the sacredness of the soul and its spiritual journey. He writes of a "rabble rout of Sense" that "pours / Into the holy Spirit-temple doors," signifying the chaos of worldly experiences and sensory distractions that invade the sanctity of the soul. However, within this temple, there are "grave and stately ministers"—spiritual forces that bring order and meaning to the chaos. These ministers guide the soul through its spiritual evolution, helping it transform confusion into "sweet concord" and resolving the dissonance of life into a harmonious "choral song." This imagery of turning chaos into harmony suggests that the spiritual journey is one of overcoming inner turmoil and finding peace and unity within the soul.

The poem’s final lines evoke a powerful image of spiritual union. The "Bacchanals," initially associated with wild, uninhibited revelry, are "sobered" and grow "grave," indicating a transformation from earthly desires to a more solemn, spiritual state. As they tread the "dim nave" in silence, the weight of their former impulses is replaced by the calm, soothing touch of "bloom-pinioned angels." These angels, described as laying "hushful hands of married night and day" on the Bacchanals, symbolize the reconciliation of opposites—night and day, chaos and order, earthly and spiritual. The phrase "married night and day" suggests a harmonious blending of all aspects of existence, pointing to the ultimate goal of spiritual enlightenment: unity and peace.

In "De Profundis," Noel reflects on the complex relationship between the body and the soul, the process of spiritual growth, and the struggle to transform the chaos of life into divine harmony. The poem’s vivid imagery of transformation, from the larva shedding its husk to the Bacchanals finding calm in the sacred temple, serves as a metaphor for the soul’s journey toward transcendence and unity. Through this exploration of the spiritual depths, Noel invites the reader to contemplate the mysteries of the soul and its eternal quest for self-expression, connection, and inner peace.

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