Poem Analysis - Friar Lubin

Overall Impression and Tone

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's "Friar Lubin" presents a vivid portrait of a deceitful and immoral character, Friar Lubin. The poem's tone is satirical and critical, using repetition and vivid imagery to highlight the friar's hypocrisy and moral failings. The mood shifts from mocking to almost resigned, as the speaker repeatedly emphasizes what Friar Lubin cannot do, which are virtuous and honest actions. The poem's form, with its repetitive structure, reinforces the idea of Friar Lubin's predictable and unchanging nature.

Themes of Hypocrisy and Moral Corruption

The primary theme of the poem is hypocrisy, particularly religious hypocrisy. Friar Lubin is a religious figure who preaches sobriety but avoids water himself, and who is skilled in deceit and immoral behavior. The poem repeatedly contrasts his vile deeds with his inability to perform virtuous actions, emphasizing his moral corruption. For example, the lines "To do vile deed, nor feel disgraced, Friar Lubin will do it well" contrast sharply with "But a sober life to lead, To honor virtue, and pursue it, That's a pious, Christian deed, Friar Lubin can not do it." This contrast underscores the theme of hypocrisy and moral corruption.

Themes of Deception and Manipulation

Another prominent theme is deception and manipulation. Friar Lubin is described as someone who can easily deceive others, especially innocent young women. The lines "With flattering words and gentle tone, To woo and win some guileless maid, Cunning pander need you none, Friar Lubin knows the trade" illustrate his skill in manipulation. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of "flattering words" and "gentle tone," which suggest a smooth and persuasive manner. The poem's repeated use of the phrase "Friar Lubin cannot do it" when referring to virtuous actions further emphasizes his reliance on deception and manipulation.

Themes of Moral Inability

The theme of moral inability is also central to the poem. Friar Lubin is portrayed as someone who is incapable of performing good deeds. The repeated phrase "Friar Lubin cannot do it" underscores this theme, highlighting his inability to lead a sober life, honor virtue, or give back what he has taken. This theme is reinforced by the imagery of Friar Lubin's actions, such as "mingling the goods of others with his own" and "laying his finger" on things to claim them. These images suggest a character who is fundamentally incapable of moral behavior.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem uses vivid imagery to depict Friar Lubin's character. The image of Friar Lubin "galloping off to town post-haste" suggests a sense of urgency and secrecy in his actions, reinforcing the idea of his deceitful nature. The repeated phrase "Friar Lubin cannot do it" serves as a symbolic refrain, emphasizing his moral inability. The image of Friar Lubin "preacheth he sobriety, But as for water, doth eschew it" is a powerful symbol of his hypocrisy, highlighting the contrast between his words and his actions. This imagery contributes to the overall message of the poem, which is a critique of religious hypocrisy and moral corruption.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Friar Lubin" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow is a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy and moral corruption. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and a satirical tone, the poem paints a vivid portrait of a deceitful and immoral character. The themes of hypocrisy, deception, and moral inability are developed through the poem's imagery and structure, reinforcing the idea of Friar Lubin's unchanging and corrupt nature. The poem's final insight is a stark reminder of the dangers of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine virtue.