Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anthony Hecht's poem "Saul and David" presents a rich narrative that delves into the themes of spiritual torment, divine intervention, and the redemptive power of music. Drawing on the biblical story of King Saul and the young David, Hecht's verse captures the essence of human frailty and the unexpected sources of salvation.

The poem opens with a vivid depiction of Saul's torment: "It was a villainous spirit, snub-nosed, foul / Of breath, thick-taloned and malevolent." This personification of Saul's inner demons establishes a sense of relentless anguish and malevolence. The spirit "squatted within him wheresoever he went / And possessed the soul of Saul," suggesting a pervasive and inescapable affliction that dominates Saul's life, leaving him no peace whether "on pillow or on throne."

Saul's torment is further illustrated through his nightmares: "In dreams the toothless, dwarfed, and squinny-eyed / Started a joyful rumor that he had died / Unfriended and alone." These grotesque figures symbolize Saul's deepest fears and insecurities, painting a picture of isolation and despair. The use of "unfriended and alone" emphasizes Saul's profound sense of abandonment and helplessness.

In his desperation, Saul abandons his pride and seeks help from an unlikely source: "In his distress, he / Put aside arrogant ways and condescended / To seek among the flocks where they were tended / By the youngest son of Jesse." This humility marks a significant transformation in Saul's character, highlighting the extent of his suffering and his willingness to find relief from any quarter. David, the shepherd boy, is introduced as "goodly to look upon, / Unnoticed but God-favored, sturdy of limb." Hecht's description of David echoes the idealized vision of the youthful hero, reminiscent of Michelangelo's later depiction of him. David's comeliness and God-favored status suggest his inherent purity and destined greatness.

The poem then contemplates the irony of a shepherd providing a cure for a king: "Heaven itself delights in ironies such / As this, in which a boy's fingers would touch / Pythagorean strings." The reference to "Pythagorean strings" alludes to the harmony and mathematical precision associated with Pythagoras, symbolizing the healing power of music. David's ability to summon the "very Sons of Morning, the ranked and choired / Heavens in sweet laudation of the Lord" underscores the divine nature of his gift. His music transcends mere sound, invoking a celestial chorus that brings peace and solace to Saul.

The poem's concluding lines, "And make Saul cease to tremble," encapsulate the transformative impact of David's music. Through his modal artistry, David restores calm and tranquility to Saul's troubled soul, illustrating the profound connection between music and emotional healing.

"Saul and David" by Anthony Hecht is a masterful exploration of the interplay between human suffering and divine grace. Through vivid imagery and poignant narrative, Hecht captures the timeless story of a tormented king finding solace in the unexpected ministrations of a humble shepherd. The poem highlights the themes of humility, redemption, and the transcendent power of art, offering a contemplative reflection on the enduring capacity of music to heal and uplift the human spirit.

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