With Eye and with Gesture

With Eye and with Gesture - meaning Summary

Hypocrisy Exposed by Action

The poem attacks religious hypocrisy by contrasting proclaimed holiness with uncharitable behavior. The speaker directly confronts someone who claims sanctity but refuses to help a child stained by sin, literally drawing away their coats. The blunt accusation "Liar!" closes the poem, emphasizing moral outrage and the gap between words and deeds. The tone is accusatory and concise, exposing hypocrisy through a simple, concrete incident.