The Writings of Anselm of Canterbury Imagery

The Writings of Anselm of Canterbury Imagery

The presence of God

The author illustrates that God is ever-present, and he is everywhere. However, those who can only see his presence are the sanctified ones. The reader notes that it is not possible to see God physically despite him being omnipresent. The author asks, "But if you are everywhere, why do I not see you since you are present?" Canterbury educates readers that God is not a human being but a spiritual power that oversees everything people do, even in darkness.

The imagery of sight

Canterbury asks himself many questions about God's existence, and he depicts the sense of sight to readers. Canterbury asks himself, “Lord, you are my God, and you are my God, and you are my Lord, but I have never seen you. You have made me and remade me, you have given me every good thing that is mine, and still, I do not know you.”

The imagery of gazing

The narrator begs God to remember him in whatever he does. Bearing the sufferings of this world is becoming burdensome. Canterbury asks God to raise him so that he can gaze upwards, depicting the sense of sight to readers. The author writes, "Lord, I am bent double; I can only look down. Raise me so that I can turn my gaze upwards."

The imagery of God’s light

The narrator believes that God is the only source of his true happiness. For instance, he examines his life and realizes that he is a sinful person, and the only way he can come closer to God is by requesting him to guide him on his paths. The narrator writes, “Let me look up at your light, whether from afar or from the depths. Teach me how to seek you, and show yourself to me when I seek.”

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