Wigglesworth's Poems Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Wigglesworth's Poems Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Doom - “The Day of Doom”

“The Day of Doom” is widespread religious allusion to Christ’s ultimate appearance that would result the judgement of humanity for their debaucheries. The day is capricious for “Still was the night, Serene and Bright,/when all Men sleeping lay;/Calm was the season, and carnal reason thought so 'twould last for ay.” The tranquility, quietness, coolness, and carnality on the day do not offer any intimation about the forthcoming doom. The doom would materialize haphazardly.

Lamps - “The Day of Doom”

Wigglesworth states, “The best of men had scarcely then/their Lamps kept in good ure.” The lamps are emblematical of enthralling faith. Failure to conserve the lamps’ unqualified form would render them inoperable on “The Day of Doom.”

Virgins - “The Day of Doom”

The virgins are foremost participants in the Biblical parable of the ten virgins. Wigglesworth explicates, “Virgins unwise, who through disguise/amongst the best were number'd,/Had closed their eyes; yea, and the wise/through sloth and frailty slumber'd.” The virgins are representatives of the faithful who are assured about the imminent doomsday, but along the way they allegorically slumber. The imprudent virgins would be found oblivious by the doomsday.

Muses - “A Prayer unto Christ”

The invocation of muses exemplifies impertinent idolatry. Wigglesworth prays, “For I do much abominate/To call the Muses to mine aid:/Which is th' Unchristian use, and trade/Of some that Christians would be thought.” Wigglesworth’s prayer affirms that he is persuaded that God is the only one that should be beckoned to aid an individual. Muses cannot substitute God’s position in Wigglesworth’s life whatsoever.

Eternity - “A Short Discourse on Eternity”

Wiggleswoth’s questions, “What Mortal man can with his Span mete out Eternity? Or fathom it by depth of Wit.” The question interprets eternity as an immeasurable reality. Furthermore, eternity and mortality are mutually exclusive certainties. Besides, perpetuity is beyond humanity’s dominion due to its infinite wit.

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