Poem Analysis - Siege Of Vienna Raised By Jihn Sobieski

A Cry for Inspiration

Wordsworth's "Siege Of Vienna Raised By Jihn Sobieski" is a passionate plea for renewed inspiration and national pride, reflecting on a past victory to ignite a similar spirit in the present. The poem begins with a yearning for the "kindling touch" of a past era, a tone of longing that quickly shifts to celebratory as the poet recalls the triumph over the Ottoman Empire. The overall feeling is one of hopeful exhortation, an attempt to recapture a sense of shared purpose and divinely ordained victory. This sonnet uses historical context to evoke a feeling of triumph and inspire the reader.

Echoes of Victory and Divine Intervention

One central theme is the celebration of victory and its perceived divine origin. The poem directly references the raising of the Siege of Vienna in 1683, a pivotal moment in European history where the Polish King John III Sobieski led the charge against the Ottoman forces. Lines such as "'For lo! the Imperial City stands released / 'From bondage threatened by the embattled East, / 'And Christendom respires'" vividly depict the relief and joy following this triumph. More importantly, the poem explicitly attributes this victory to God, as emphasized by the lines "'HE CONQUERING THROUGH GOD, AND GOD BY HIM.'" This reinforces the idea that the victory was not merely a military achievement but a divinely sanctioned event.

The Triumph of Christendom

Another key theme is the clash between Christendom and the "embattled East," representing a broader struggle between differing cultures and beliefs. The imagery of the "cross" spreading and the "crescent" waning symbolizes the perceived dominance of Christianity over Islam. This theme highlights the religious and cultural anxieties of the time, where the threat of the Ottoman Empire was seen as a direct challenge to European identity and values. This opposition between East and West serves as a powerful backdrop for the celebration of Sobieski's victory and underscores its significance as a defense of Christendom.

Yearning for Renewed National Spirit

A third theme, subtly woven throughout, is a yearning for the present to emulate the past's spirit of unity and purpose. The opening lines, "OH, for a kindling touch from that pure flame / Which ministered, erewhile, to a sacrifice / Of gratitude," reveal a dissatisfaction with the present and a desire to rekindle the fervor of past generations. The poem is not just about celebrating a historical event; it is an implicit call for contemporary England to find its own "kindling touch" and achieve similar greatness. The entire poem is an exclamation that acts like a prayer for the divine inspiration of the past to be renewed.

Symbols of Faith and Power

The recurring symbols of the "cross" and the "crescent" serve as potent representations of the opposing forces in this historical and spiritual conflict. The "cross" symbolizes Christianity, faith, and salvation, while the "crescent" represents the Ottoman Empire and, by extension, a threat to European civilization. The imagery of the crescent "waxed dim" is particularly significant, suggesting the triumph of good over evil and the enduring power of faith. Could the poem also be subtly questioning the source of power, highlighting that ultimate power is not of the earth but of the heavens?

A Legacy of Inspiration

In conclusion, "Siege Of Vienna Raised By Jihn Sobieski" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates a historical victory while simultaneously yearning for a renewed sense of national purpose and divine inspiration. Through vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and a tone of hopeful exhortation, Wordsworth effectively communicates the significance of Sobieski's triumph and its potential to ignite a similar spirit in his own time. The poem serves as a reminder of the power of unity, faith, and the enduring legacy of past victories to inspire future generations.