Poem Analysis - The Tenth Commandment

Introduction: A Humorous Confession of Human Frailty

Alexander Pushkin's "The Tenth Commandment" is a witty and self-aware exploration of the human struggle against temptation. The poem adopts a confessional tone, where the speaker grapples with the commandment against coveting. There is a humorous undertone, as the speaker readily admits his inability to control his desires, specifically regarding his neighbor's wife or a female friend. The mood shifts from dutiful acknowledgement of the commandment to a lighthearted, almost resigned acceptance of his own fallibility.

Temptation Versus Piety: A Central Conflict

One of the main themes is the inherent conflict between religious piety and human temptation. The speaker earnestly wants to obey God's commandment, stating, "You shalt not covet … your ukase / I honor, O, my Lord, severe." However, this resolve quickly crumbles when confronted with the reality of his desires. The poem highlights the absurdity of expecting humans to completely suppress their natural inclinations. The struggle is portrayed not as a malicious intent to disobey, but as a simple inability to control feelings, showing a clash between what is prescribed and what is naturally felt.

The Allure of the Forbidden: Love and Beauty

Love and beauty are central themes, manifested as irresistible temptations. The neighbor's "bondwoman" and "friend, dear" are presented as symbols of unattainable desire. These women are described in terms that emphasize their charm ("charming") and angelic beauty ("Angel in a flesh is sweet"). The speaker's longing for them highlights the power of beauty to disrupt even the most devout intentions. The beauty of these women is not merely physical; it represents a form of bliss, a taste of "Eden" that the speaker feels unfairly deprived of.

Envy as a Catalyst: Honest Self-Reflection

The theme of envy is a crucial element. The speaker admits to envying his neighbor's possession of these desirable women. This envy is not portrayed as malicious but as a symptom of his own human desire. The lines "Oh, just God! pardon my misdeed – / I envy Eden of my peer" reveal a sense of frustration and longing. The poem uses this emotion to explore the difficulty of adhering to moral codes when faced with perceived happiness in others. The speaker acknowledges the “misdeed” but frames it as almost involuntary, highlighting the complexity of moral responsibility.

Symbolism of Silence: Unspoken Desires

The recurring image of silence in the final stanza holds significant symbolic weight. The speaker concludes, "I’m mute... my sufferings are helpless." This silence represents the suppression of his desires, a conscious decision to refrain from acting on his temptations. The helplessness reinforces the powerlessness felt in the face of overwhelming desires. While he refrains from action, the inner turmoil remains, making the silence a poignant symbol of the struggle between desire and restraint. This internal conflict underscores the poem’s final message about the inescapable nature of human desire even within the boundaries of religious obligation.

Conclusion: Acknowledging Flawed Humanity

In conclusion, "The Tenth Commandment" is a clever exploration of the tension between religious law and human nature. Through a confessional tone and vivid imagery, Pushkin creates a relatable portrait of a person grappling with temptation. The poem’s significance lies in its honest acknowledgement of human fallibility and the inherent difficulties in suppressing natural desires. It suggests that while adhering to moral codes is important, understanding and accepting the complexities of human nature is equally crucial. Ultimately, the poem is a humorous and insightful reflection on the enduring struggle between the ideal and the real.