Biblical Allusions in Poetry
Poets pack a great deal of meaning into short phrases because poems are concise.
Many poets rely on allusions to communicate their theme. These poems contain
Biblical allusions. Read the poems, then in your own words, paraphrase and
explain what the author says in each stanza. (A stanza is a poetry paragraph).
The Donkey
by G.K. Chesterton
When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born.
With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil’s walking parody
Of all four-footed things.
The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me; I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.
Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.
Look up and read Matthew 21:1-11. What new insights does this passage give
you to the poem?
Why do you think Chesterton includes the Biblical allusion in his poem? What is
his purpose?
This poem also contains Biblical allusions. Again, in your own words, paraphrase
each stanza.
Then, read John 1:29, Revelation 5:6 and 7:10. What new insights do these
passages give you? Why do you think Blake includes the Biblical allusions in his
poem? What is his purpose?
The Lamb
By William Blake
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed,
By the stream and o’er the mean;
Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?
Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee,
Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee.
He is called by thy name,
For He calls Himself a Lamb.
He is meek, and He is mild;
He became a little child.
I a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by His name.
Little Lamb, God bless thee!
Little Lamb, God bless thee!