Good Essay On The Martyr

The poem “The Martyr” by Herman Melville has left a deep impression on me. It influences the reader from the very first line creating the morose setting and gloomy atmosphere. Furthermore, the author is trying to dip the reader in the times of Jesus Christ taking us back to that dreadful day, when He was crucified. From the very first look in is clear, that the martyr is a simple embodiment of the God’s son because the action of the poem takes place on the Good Friday, the most horrible day in the Bible.
Among the literary devices used by the author the most significant one, to my mind, is rhyme and repetition of certain words and phrases. They are intended to emphasize the main images and characters of the story told. It is easy to notice that the word “kill” is the most repeated one among the others. I am sure, this way the author wanted to better describe the most terrifying moment in the Bible, when an innocent person was killed simply for his intention to save His people. Moreover, the poet also calls these dreadful times the mixture of prodigy and crime referring to the uniqueness and danger of what was happening. Moreover, the word “blood” plays its important part in the poem as well. In the Bible it is said that Jesus washed all our sins with His blood, that oozed from his wounds. Isn’t that a wonder? This particular moment, I am sure, is a wonder, the author had the full right to call it a real prodigy.
The words “sobbing” and “weeping” were also used as a description of the crowd of people, who were experiencing the loss of their Savior and saw his suffering with their own eyes. It is important to notice that the word “iron” is quite meaningful here as well. It is being used in both positive and negative way. First of all, it is the best adjective to describe the authority of tyrants, who ruled the country in the old days. Secondly, it is a fine description for the people, who got tired and now had to stand up and rebel against their unjust rulers. All used lexis is characterized by its hardness, by richness on consonants. This method can also be applied by the author for the better description.
It is easy to see another outstanding repetition used by Herman Melville. The whole stanza is repeated twice throughout the poem. The reader can see that in this particular verse prevails the spirit of confrontation and fight. In this manner the author obviously wanted to warn the ruling elite to be aware of the angry crowd.
People often tend to put high expectations on the famous poet’s works. Did the poet violate my expectations in some way? Certainly not. Furthermore, it is quite clear that all the literacy tools are properly used to better describe the setting and to create the proper mood of the story. Nothing is missing here, every single line is perfect and everything is carefully on the right places, moreover, the poem is filled with so to say catch-phrases. The poet can be rightfully called the master of the pen.
It is surprising, how deep this poem touches even the average reader. Moreover, it can also leave a strong impression in no time. The author presents us a great opportunity to live through the situation given, he is also forcing to contemplate and ponder. This poem revives the unique spirit of struggle and the spirit of confrontation at the same time with encouraging the common people to fight against things, that are no longer valid. The character of the martyr represents the human’s pain and suffering. Moreover, in the face of one particular person embodied thousands and thousands of other people, who struggle for their lives, freedoms and rights every single day. It is simply amazing, how it easy it was for the poet to cope with this task. Through the lens of the past the reader can also see the present times. As we all know, the times are changing, people come and go, but the history goes round in the circles. There are so many similar situations nowadays, so many wars and revolutions going on in different corners of the modern world. And everywhere the people are fighting against things that are out of date, against the things they simply cannot stand any longer.
“The Martyr” by Herman Melville can be rightfully called one of the best poems I have read over the last couple of years. I am sure, that the usage of the biblical story is truly needed here to create a proper mood, so the reader could have a rare opportunity to imagine the setting more bright and clear, than he could ever before. The master of the word is using all of his skills and his unique talent to bring every person all the emotions hidden in his carefully written lines and verses with well-chosen words.
The story told by the poet reminds me about all the other wars, that are going on in the world right now. At these times people intend to feel a deep devotion to their motherland and are always ready to defend it to the bitter end. The character of murder symbolizes a person, who is ready to sacrifice his life for the benefit of the county and the people. Jesus died to expiate all the sins of His people, He was murdered, and He suffered. Moreover, it is quite interesting that the author in this particular poem uses His image to embody the whole crowd of those, who have to go through a lot, who experience terrible things.
In a conclusion I would like to say that this poem is filled with deep philosophical thoughts and bright images. Moreover, it can also teach a great lesson. Furthermore, every single reader is able to find in it something significant and special primarily for himself. I am sure, this is one of the main features of this Melville’s poem. It is truly worth reading. Every minute spent while reading brings unforgettable emotions and draws bright images in the reader’s mind. In addition, it also awakes the feeling of patriotism, the love for the country, where you were born. During the reading we have a great possibility to experience a huge range of emotions: we sympathize, we compassionate, and we ponder. I am sure, this poem can rightfully be called a fine example of the world literacy heritage and I would definitely recommend it for reading and learning by heart.