"Journey of the Magi" is both an allegory and a dramatic monologue. An allegory is a literary device that conveys complex meanings through extended metaphor. The journey in this poem is an allegory for the experience of converting to Christianity. A dramatic monologue is a poem in the form of a speech by an imagined person. "Journey of the Magi" is a dramatic monologue spoken by a Magus, one of the Magi who crossed the desert to witness the birth of Jesus Christ.
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How does Journey of the Magi subvert the expectations of a traditional Christmas poem?
Eliot avoids the tropes of the story of the Magi; there is no mention of Bethlehem, a star, or the gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The poem is written in free verse, avoiding the sing-song quality of many Christmas poems. Its tone is doubtful and complaining, the opposite of an uplifting Christmas message of peace. It is a selfish monologue, rather than one that focuses on communal love. The main event, the birth of Jesus Christ, is alluded to obliquely, but not described. The Magus traveled to witness a miracle, but rather than experiencing awe, comfort, or solace, he becomes suicidal at the loss of the pagan world.
Journey of the Magi Questions and Answers
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In the first two stanzas of the poem, the speaker is a choral “we” of the three Magi recalling the journey to Bethlehem they undertook to witness the birth of Jesus. In the final stanza the voice shifts to the singular “I” of a Magus who evaluates...
In the first two stanzas of the poem, the speaker is a choral “we” of the three Magi recalling the journey to Bethlehem they undertook to witness the birth of Jesus. In the final stanza the voice shifts to the singular “I” of a Magus who evaluates...
Journey of the Magi study guide contains a biography of T.S. Eliot, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
Journey of the Magi essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot.
