Poem Analysis - As Faith Thus Sanctified The Warriors Crest

An Ode to Unity and Faith's Power

William Wordsworth's "As Faith Thus Sanctified The Warrior's Crest" is a sonnet that celebrates the unifying power of faith, particularly as embodied by the Catholic Church and expressed through its art and architecture. The poem adopts a reverent and admiring tone, initially focusing on the historical impact of religious unity and then shifting to a more personal appreciation of religious structures. It's a poem of praise, building toward a crescendo of awe and submission.

Historical Echoes: The Papal Influence

While the poem doesn't explicitly delve into specific historical events, it alludes to the historical influence of the Papal Unity in the West. The phrase "As faith thus sanctified the warrior's crest" suggests a time when religious belief provided a common purpose and moral justification for conflict and expansion. The poem implies that the Church supplied a cohesive force ("one aim") that transcended regional divisions, achieving what "feebler means had failed" to accomplish. This historical context informs the poem's overall appreciation for the unifying power of faith.

The Unifying Power of Faith and Art

One of the central themes is the unifying power of faith. The poem begins by establishing how religious belief brought "one aim" to the West, transcending earthly differences. This idea is mirrored in the second part of the poem, where the architecture of the Church is portrayed as a source of collective inspiration. Another prominent theme is the manifestation of faith through art. Wordsworth argues that the "works of Art" enhance worship by imbuing it with "glory and grace." These artistic expressions are not mere decorations but vital components that elevate religious experience. A final theme present is the power of religious architecture to inspire awe and devotion. The speaker implores us to "Hail countless Temples!" praising their ability to translate "holy writ" into physical forms. This transformation inspires and elevates the soul, even to the point of converting the "unconverted soul."

Temples as Symbols of Spiritual Aspiration

The most prominent symbol in the poem is that of the temples themselves. They are not merely buildings but represent the physical embodiment of faith and spiritual aspiration. The image of the temples rising and taking "form spirit and character from holy writ" suggests a direct link between the divine and the earthly. This imagery emphasizes the transformative power of faith to manifest itself in tangible and inspiring forms. The temples, therefore, are symbols of both the power of the church, and the spiritual capacity of humanity when inspired by faith. They represent the potential for individuals to rise above the mundane and connect with the divine.

Concluding Submission to Awe

In conclusion, Wordsworth's sonnet is a celebration of the unifying and uplifting power of faith, expressed both through historical influence and through the awe-inspiring architecture of religious institutions. The poem moves from a general observation of faith's impact to a personal expression of reverence, culminating in the image of the "unconverted soul" submitting to the overwhelming power of devotion. Ultimately, the poem suggests that faith, manifested through art and architecture, has the power to transform individuals and societies, uniting them under a shared sense of purpose and spiritual aspiration.