Edward Taylor’s poem “A FIgg For The Oh Death” is a haunting and powerful exploration of death. The poem centers around the speaker’s fear of death, and their attempts to rationalize and come to terms with their own mortality. The poem is both dark and hopeful, offering a unique perspective on death and what comes after. Edward Taylor was a highly respected poet of his time, and “A FIgg For The Oh Death” is considered one of his best works.
Edward Taylor was an American pastor, doctor, and poet. He lived from 1642 to 1729; a period of harsh living circumstances. America was still a British colony at the time, which exacerbated the difficulties of everyday life (Jerrett 384). Edward Taylor, like anybody else in his situation, lived in constant fear of being harmed or robbed at home.
Edward was a man who had to experience death firsthand. Edward’s wife and children died, as well as many of his friends. Edward even wrote a poem about death, called “A FIgg For the Oh Death.” In this poem Edward compares death to a fig tree. Edward says that death is like a fig tree because it is “full of leaves” and it is “always dropping fruit.”
Edward also says that death is like a fig tree because it is ” always ready to kill” and it always has “a poisonous root.” Edward says that death is like a fig tree because it is “the enemy of life” and it is “the destroyer of joy.” Edward says that death is like a fig tree because it is “the end of all things.” Edward says that death is like a fig tree because it is “the king of terrors.”
Edward Taylor’s poem “A FIgg For the Oh Death” is a great example of how people at this time felt about death. Edward compares death to a fig tree because it is something that is always there, it is always ready to kill, and it is the end of all things. Edward’s poem shows how death was a constant fear for people at this time. Edward’s poem also shows how people at this time saw death as an enemy.
Yet, in the midst of these frightening events, he wrote poetry one of which was “A fig for you oh! Death.” Edward was a firm believer in Christianity who wanted to know more about life after death. Like most of his work, “A fig for you oh! Death” ridiculed death. The following sections delve into the poem in depth, analyzing both his language and attitude towards death.
Edward Taylor’s poem “A fig for you oh! Death” is a scathing attack on death and the fear that it brings. Throughout the poem, Edward mocks death, calling it everything from a liar to a thief. He even goes so far as to say that death is not worth the trouble it causes.
Edward’s language throughout the poem is very direct and blunt. He makes no effort to sugarcoat his words or soften their blow. This is most likely due to Edward’s own feelings about death. He clearly has no respect for death and sees it as nothing more than a nuisance.
Edward’s attitude towards death is one of complete mockery. He belittles death at every opportunity and seems to take great joy in doing so. This is likely due to Edward’s own fear of death. By mocking death, Edward is able to make it seem less threatening and therefore less scary.
Edward’s poem “A fig for you oh! Death” is a clear example of his feelings towards death. He mocks death mercilessly and makes no effort to hide his complete lack of respect for it. This poem is likely a product of Edward’s own fear of death and serves as a way for him to cope with that fear.
The poem’s name implies that the major idea was mostly concerned with death. It is possible, though, to get a different message from Taylor’s way of dealing with the topic. He swears fiercely that he will not fight to save his life, his body, or his soul from suffering at death’s door for God to protect it (Jerrett, 386).
Edward Taylor’s poem, “A FIgg For The Oh Death,” is a religious and political one that talks about how death should not be feared.
The poem is Edward Taylor’s way of dealing with the topic of death. He swears fiercely that he will not fight to save his life, his body, or his soul from suffering at death’s door for God to protect it (Jerrett, 386). This could be seen as a way of saying that death should not be feared. Edward Taylor’s poem deals with the idea of death in a religious and political way. He believes that death should not be feared because it is something that everyone must go through.
Edward’s efforts to demonstrate that there was a significant difference between the soul and the body are apparent. During this period of time, he also shows his goal to bridge the enormous gap between body and soul. From the start of the poem, two edges appear as “Man,” human Saul, and “Kernel….” (Taylor 306).
Edward’s poem is about the battle between physicality and spirituality, and how the human body can be a representation of death. Edward’s use of “Kernel” throughout the poem is significant because it represents not only the soul but also something that is essential to life.
Furthermore, Edward believes that the soul is more important than the body and should be valued as such. This is seen when Edward states that “The Kernel…/ Itself doth hold” (Taylor 307). Edward’s view on the afterlife is also significant, as he believes that there will be a reunion between body and soul. This is evident when he writes that “the Body…/ And Kernel shall unite” (Taylor 307). Edward’s belief in the reunion between body and soul is significant because it demonstrates his hope for the afterlife.
Edward’s use of figurative language throughout the poem is also significant, as it allows him to create a vivid image of the battle between body and soul. Edward’s use of personification is particularly effective, as it allows him to personify death in a way that makes it seem more real and tangible. This is seen when Edward writes that “Death…/ Doth seize” (Taylor 307). Edward’s use of personification makes death seem more real and threatening, which helps to create a sense of fear and dread in the reader.
Edward’s use of images is also significant, as they help to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, Edward uses the image of a “blacksmith’s forge” to create a sense of foreboding and danger (Taylor 307). This is effective in creating a sense of dread and fear in the reader. Edward’s use of language is significant because it allows him to create a vivid and detailed image of the battle between body and soul.