Ecclesiastes

Summary of the Poem "Ecclesiastes" by Derek Mahon

"Ecclesiastes" by Derek Mahon is a satirical and reflective poem that critiques the rigid, puritanical lifestyle associated with Protestantism in Northern Ireland. The poem opens with the speaker addressing God directly and presents a hypothetical scenario in which the speaker considers adopting a strict and devout lifestyle.

The poem vividly describes this lifestyle, describing "dank churches," "empty streets," and "the shipyard silence." These images convey a sense of lifelessness and isolation, highlighting the cold and oppressive environment that comes with strict religious adherence. The speaker imagines sheltering their "cold heart from the heat of the world," avoiding human warmth and pleasure, particularly from "woman-inquisition" and "the bright eyes of children."

Mahon critiques this way of life by emphasizing the rejection of worldly pleasures and human connection in favor of harsh, judgmental piety. The speaker sarcastically suggests that one could wear "black," drink "water," and nourish a "fierce zeal" with "locusts and wild honey," alluding to the austere diet of Biblical prophets. This lifestyle is depicted as devoid of compassion, understanding, and forgiveness.

The poem further mocks the puritanical life by describing how one could love the "January rains" that darken the "dark doors" and sink "hard into the Antrim hills," evoking a sense of gloom and harshness. The speaker sarcastically advises to "bury that red bandana and stick, that banjo," symbols of a freer, more joyful existence, and instead adopt a Puritan's rigid and bleak life.

In the final lines, the speaker addresses the potential leaders of this lifestyle, calling them to "stand on a corner stiff with rhetoric, promising nothing under the sun." This closing image reinforces the poem's critique of the emptiness and meaninglessness of such a life, offering only empty words and no real substance or joy.

Overall, Mahon's "Ecclesiastes" uses vivid imagery, direct address, and satirical tone to critique the rigid and lifeless existence associated with puritanical Protestantism. It questions its value and impact while acknowledging its deep roots in cultural heritage.

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Themes Analysis

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Critique of Puritanical Life

Quote: "I could wear black, drink water and have a fierce zeal / For locusts and wild honey."

This quote illustrates the austere lifestyle of Biblical prophets, highlighting the strict self-discipline and denial of worldly pleasures that define Puritanism. Mahon uses irony to underscore the absurdity and harshness of such a life, suggesting that it denies the richness and warmth of the human experience.

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Isolation and Desolation

Quote: "Dank churches, empty streets, the shipyard silence."

These images create a stark, cold landscape reflecting a puritanical lifestyle's emotional and spiritual desolation. The use of "dank" and "empty" evokes feelings of lifelessness and isolation, reinforcing the poem's critique of the puritanical ethos.

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Rejection of Joy and Human Connection

Quote: "But I could shelter my cold heart / From the heat of the world, the bright eyes of children."

This quote starkly contrasts the warmth and innocence of children with the coldness of the speaker's heart. It suggests that puritanical life shields individuals from the warmth and beauty of human connection and joy, isolating them in their rigidity.

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Imagery Analysis

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Stark and Cold Landscape

Quote: "Dank churches, empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings."

This image paints a bleak picture of a lifeless, deserted environment. The words "dank," "empty," and "silence" evoke a sense of desolation and neglect. The tied-up swings suggest a place where joy and playfulness have been abandoned. This imagery underscores the emotional and spiritual barrenness of a puritanical existence.

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Puritanical Austerity

Quote: "I could wear black, drink water and have a fierce zeal / For locusts and wild honey."

Here, Mahon uses the image of a Puritan dressed in black, consuming only water, locusts, and honey, to emphasize the harsh self-denial and rigid discipline associated with Puritanical life. The choice of locusts and honey also alludes to the diet of Biblical prophets, reinforcing the theme of religious austerity.

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Satirical Mockery of Rejection

Quote: "Bury that red bandana and stick, that banjo."

The red bandana, stick, and banjo symbolize creativity, freedom, and individuality. Burying these items suggests the rejection of joy, artistic expression, and the warmth of human experience in favor of rigid conformity and austerity. This imagery satirically critiques the narrow-mindedness and joylessness of puritanical beliefs.

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Emptiness of Rigid Orthodoxy

Quote: "Stand on a corner stiff with rhetoric, promising nothing under the sun."

This image portrays the futility and emptiness of a life consumed by rigid religious orthodoxy. "Stiff with rhetoric" suggests a lifeless adherence to doctrine, while "promising nothing under the sun" implies the absence of genuine hope or meaning. This imagery reinforces the poem's critique of puritanical rigidity and the search for authentic meaning.

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Style Analysis

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Alliteration

Quote: "Bury that red bandana and stick, that banjo; this is your country."

Mahon employs alliteration by repeating the 'b' sound in "bury," "bandana," and "banjo." This stylistic choice adds a rhythmic quality to the line, drawing attention to the act of burying symbols of individuality and joy. The alliteration emphasizes the finality and rigidity of conforming to puritanical norms, reinforcing the poem's critique.

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Biblical Allusions

Quote: "Nourish a fierce zeal with locusts and wild honey."

The reference to locusts and wild honey alludes to John the Baptist's diet in the Bible. This biblical allusion underscores Mahon's critique of religious fervor and self-denial.

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Repetition

Quote: "God, you could do it, God help you..."

The repetition of "God" serves multiple purposes. It emphasizes the religious context of the poem, reinforcing the central critique of puritanical beliefs. It also adds a rhythmic quality, creating a sense of urgency and insistence. This repetition heightens the satirical tone as if the speaker is sarcastically encouraging the puritanical figure to continue down their bleak path.

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Language Analysis

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Vivid Adjectives

Quote: "the dank churches, the empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings..."

Mahon uses vivid adjectives like "dank," "empty," "silence," and "tied-up" to create bleak and desolate imagery. These descriptions paint a picture of a lifeless, joyless environment, reinforcing the poem's critique of puritanical life. The adjectives evoke a sense of coldness and isolation, enhancing the emotional impact by making the reader feel the oppressive atmosphere.

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Sarcasm

Quote: "God help you, stand on a corner stiff with rhetoric, promising nothing under the sun."

The sarcastic tone in this line is evident through phrases like "God help you" and "promising nothing under the sun." The sarcasm underscores the emptiness and futility of the puritanical rhetoric, highlighting the speaker's disdain for such attitudes. This sarcasm adds a biting edge to the critique, making it more forceful and impactful.

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Summary of Key Elements

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Key Theme:

The critique of puritanical attitudes and religious hypocrisy.

Quote: "God, you could grow to love it, God-fearing, God-chosen purist little puritan that..."

This line mocks the rigid, joyless lifestyle of strict religious adherence.

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Key Image:

The desolate and lifeless environment symbolizes the oppressive nature of Puritanism.

Quote: "the dank churches, the empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings..." T

These images emphasize the bleakness and isolation inherent in such a lifestyle.

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Key Stylistic Device:

Alliteration

Quote: "Bury that red bandana and stick, that banjo; this is your country."

The repetition of 'b' sounds draws attention to the abandonment of individuality and joy.

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Key Language Device:

Sarcasm

Quote: "God help you, stand on a corner stiff with rhetoric, promising nothing under the sun."

The sarcastic tone underscores the emptiness and futility of puritanical rhetoric.

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Key Direct Quotes

1. "God, you could grow to love it, God-fearing, God-chosen purist little puritan that..."
2. "I could wear black, drink water, and have a fierce zeal / For locusts and wild honey."
3. "Dank churches, empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings..."
4. "But I could shelter my cold heart / From the heat of the world, the bright eyes of children."
5. "Bury that red bandana and stick, that banjo; this is your country."
6. "God help you, stand on a corner stiff with rhetoric, promising nothing under the sun."

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Summary Table

Category	Details	Supporting Quotes
Themes	Critique of puritanical attitudes and religious hypocrisy	"God, you could grow to love it, God-fearing, God-chosen purist little puritan that..."
	Isolation and desolation	"Dank churches, empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings..."
	Rejection of joy and human connection	"But I could shelter my cold heart / From the heat of the world, the bright eyes of children."
Images	A desolate and lifeless environment	"Dank churches, empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings..."
Stylistic Devices	Alliteration	"Bury that red bandana and stick, that banjo; this is your country."
	Biblical allusions	"Nourish a fierce zeal with locusts and wild honey."
	Repetition	"God, you could do it, God help you..."
Language Devices	Vivid adjectives	"the dank churches, the empty streets, the shipyard silence, the tied-up swings..."
	Sarcasm	"God help you, stand on a corner stiff with rhetoric, promising nothing under the sun."