Analysis of Poem “Journey of the Magi” by T.S Eliot Essay Example

to take them through difficult experiences encountered by the three wise men (line 1). Generally, the narrator gives a negative sense of what he encounters across the journey. Derogatory vocabulary such as “worst time of the year” (line 2) is used to describe the season. He goes on to explain that not only were the three kings upset in the course of their adventure but also the camels which are described to have been lying on the snow (line 7). Essentially, Eliot uses this kind of enumeration to lay emphasis on the physical fatigue experienced by the animals and how the weather conditions were so adverse to both humans and animals.

The narrator describes summer conditions in different places they had travelled. By tracing the seasons, the narrator informs the audience about the extent of his tedious expedition. Eliot skillfully transitions from the winter setting to the summer setting using a variety of word structure. For instance, the narrator mentions that their times when they had to regret (line 8). This exemplifies the narrator’s envision of their experience. So evident is the fact that the trip had many unexpected challenges that most of the time the Kings were tempted to give up on their mission in searching for the Messiah. Using the s alliteration, Eliot highlights the delicate elements in his descriptions such as “Palaces on Slopes, The Terraces” (line 9). The statement is sharply opposed to the cursing and grumbling camel man. Using the conjunction “and”, Eliot manages to add rhythm to his stanza in order to create a new contrast.

When the Three Kings have come closer towards fulfilling their objective, Eliot alludes to most

of biblical instances. One such biblical allusion is on betrayal of Jesus Christ by Judas. He states “Six hands dicing for silver” (line 27). Another one is based on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ where he mentions “three trees in the sky” (line 24). After their long journey full of encounters and challenges, the Three Kings come to the realization that a newborn baby is their savior. This scenario depicted how reality was so deceiving. Although disappointed by the realization, Magi is not disappointed by the challenges he had undergone. Perplexed by the essence of his mission, the narrator wonders whether they were “led all that way for birth or death” (line 36). He is confused of the similarity that exists between life and death.
The tone of the narrator is seen to have changed after the completion of his mission. He states that they returned to their “kingdoms” (line 40). This creates an impression that the Kings had changed their reality courtesy of their experience. Magi uses a mocking expression “Clutching Their gods” (line 42) to highlight his disappointment for having shared his experience. In essence, his experience actually changed his life.

In conclusion, the three Kings In “Journey of Magi” come in terms with a deceiving situation. They have to undergo a tedious and challenging expedition to meet a new born baby as their messiah. Even when they return to their native kingdoms, they can hardly recognize their own people. The monologue therefore is an illustration of a magus’ envision of the experience he undergoes through a challenging expedition and the impact of seeing his savior.

References

1. Poetry By Heart | The Journey of the Magi.
   

(2016). Poetrybyheart.org.uk. Retrieved 14 July 2016, from http://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/the-journey-of-the-magi/