Poem Analysis - Michael Angelo In Reply To The Passage Upon His Staute Of Sleeping Night

Introduction: A Plea for Unawareness

Wordsworth's "Michael Angelo In Reply To The Passage Upon His Staute Of Sleeping Night" is a somber reflection on the solace of oblivion in a world filled with suffering. The poem adopts the persona of Michelangelo's statue, "Night," who speaks of her preference for sleep and, ultimately, a death-like existence over witnessing the "wrong and shame" of the world. The poem's tone is initially one of weary acceptance, but it gradually shifts toward a yearning for complete and permanent escape. There is a distinct feeling of resignation that permeates the verses.

The Silent Scream of Social Injustice

While no explicit historical context is provided, Wordsworth, writing during a period of significant social and political upheaval in England and Europe, was known for his concerns about social injustice. The poem implicitly critiques the injustices of the time, suggesting that the world is so riddled with "wrong and shame" that even a statue, a work of art meant to inspire, finds solace only in unconsciousness. The artist, Michelangelo, is known for his creations reflecting the strength of humanity. The fact that his “Night” statue prefers to be unconscious could be seen as a very damning point about the state of the world. The statue's desire to remain asleep is not mere laziness, but a deliberate choice to avoid the pain of witnessing societal ills. The poem, therefore, can be read as a quiet protest against the prevailing conditions.

Embracing Oblivion: Themes of Suffering and Escape

The poem grapples with several interwoven themes, most notably suffering, escape, and the appeal of death. Suffering is omnipresent, manifested in the "wrong and shame" that the statue seeks to avoid. This leads to the theme of escape, with sleep and a marble-like existence representing refuge from worldly woes. The poem also flirts with the idea of death as a preferable alternative to life, as expressed in the lines, "How sweet thus living without life to lie, / Thus without death how sweet it is to die." The phrase "living without life" exemplifies the statue's desire to exist without actively participating in or being affected by the world. The idea of death is, here, less threatening and more of a welcome, final escape.

Darkness and Stillness: Imagery of Withdrawal

Recurring symbols and vivid images contribute significantly to the poem's message. Sleep and marble are powerful symbols of withdrawal and detachment. Sleep represents a temporary escape from consciousness, while marble symbolizes permanence and insensitivity to external stimuli. The phrase "life in stone bound fast" emphasizes the statue's physical and emotional immobility, its inability to interact with or change the world. The image of "Sleeping Night" is itself symbolic, representing a desire to shut out the darkness and turmoil of the world. Is the statue's preference for oblivion a commentary on the human tendency to ignore suffering, or is it a justifiable response to overwhelming injustice?

Final Contemplations: The Significance of Silence

In conclusion, Wordsworth's poem is a poignant meditation on the allure of oblivion in a world burdened by suffering. Through the voice of Michelangelo's statue, the poem explores themes of suffering, escape, and the complex relationship between life and death. The poem's imagery and tone work together to create a powerful sense of weariness and resignation. The emphasis on silence – "speak low," "hush" – underscores the desire for peace and quietude in the face of overwhelming negativity. Ultimately, the poem invites us to contemplate the value of awareness and the difficult choices we make when confronted with the world's imperfections. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most profound statement one can make is one of silence.