Poem Analysis - From The Persian Of Hafiz II

Overall Impression and Tone

Ralph Waldo Emerson's "From The Persian Of Hafiz II" presents a lively and somewhat irreverent exploration of spiritual and earthly pleasures. The poem begins with a tone of resignation and detachment, as the speaker renounces the idea of paradise. However, it quickly shifts to a more playful and defiant mood, celebrating the joys of life and the pleasures of the senses. The speaker engages in a dialogue with a hermit, challenging conventional religious practices and advocating for a more indulgent approach to life.

Themes of Spirituality and Indulgence

The poem explores the tension between spiritual devotion and earthly indulgence. The speaker challenges the idea of paradise and the strictures of religious practice, suggesting that true happiness can be found in the present moment. The speaker's defiance of conventional religious practices, such as fasting and prayer, highlights the theme of rebellion against religious orthodoxy. The speaker's advocacy for the pleasures of the senses, such as drinking and the company of nuns, underscores the theme of indulgence and the celebration of life's pleasures.

Imagery and Symbolism

The poem is rich in vivid imagery and symbolism. The **vine** and **wine** are recurring symbols that represent the pleasures of the senses and the defiance of religious strictures. The speaker's reference to being **kneaded up with wine** suggests a deep, almost mystical connection to the earthly pleasures that wine represents. The **banquet** and **Schiraz's juice** further emphasize the theme of indulgence and the celebration of life's pleasures. The **mosque and cool kiosk** represent the conventional religious practices that the speaker rejects. The **drink-house** and the **sweet chase of the nuns** symbolize the earthly pleasures that the speaker embraces.

The Role of the Hermit and the Speaker

The hermit and the speaker represent two different approaches to life and spirituality. The hermit embodies the conventional religious practices that the speaker rejects, while the speaker advocates for a more indulgent and sensual approach to life. The dialogue between the hermit and the speaker highlights the tension between these two approaches and the speaker's defiance of conventional religious practices. The speaker's final exhortation to **trust thou well, Heaven is secure** suggests a deep faith in the ultimate security of the soul, despite the speaker's indulgent approach to life.

Conclusion

In "From The Persian Of Hafiz II," Emerson presents a playful and defiant exploration of the tension between spiritual devotion and earthly indulgence. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, the poem celebrates the pleasures of the senses and the defiance of conventional religious practices. The dialogue between the hermit and the speaker highlights the tension between these two approaches to life and the speaker's ultimate faith in the security of the soul. The poem's message is one of embracing life's pleasures while maintaining a deep faith in the ultimate security of the soul.