The Preacher Ruminates Behind The Sermon (Analysis and...

Without a Hand to Hold Analysis and Interpretation of The Preacher Ruminates: Behind the Sermon Gwendolyn Brooks The Preacher Ruminates: Behind the Sermon gives an eerie look into a ministers mind. Indeed the poems premise is made clear from the opening line: It must be lonely to be God (1). The poem proceeds to note that while God is a much-revered and respected figure, he has no equal. The preachers revelation provides the reader a unique perspective into religion. Brooks points out due to Gods position of omniscience, it is not possible for a figure like Him to have friends. Throughout Brooks poem, the preacher implores the reader for answers to his questions, finally concluding that to be God is indeed a lonely life and†¦show more content†¦Some of these words evoke very strong emotions. The word reverence makes me imagine a crowd of worshipping masses, as it means feelings of deep respect or devotion (Reverence). This is a rather obvious conclusion to draw, as the poem at its heart is very much about Gods stature. One can assume that the preacher is probably not o ne to criticize God, given his profession, and thus the praise heaped upon God by the narrator is appropriate. Moving past the very literal early parts of the poem, Brooks shows hints of playfulness, as he asks But who walks with Him? (9) and [to] Buy him a Coca-Cola or a beer (11). When I read the poem for the first time, I immediately wrote off the image of someone buying God a drink as completely ludicrous. Indeed, by simply laughing away the thought, I immediately prove Brooks intended message: One does not buy God a Coca-Cola or a beer; he is above such trifles, and this is a sad thing. The imagery in this stanza is deceptively simple as although it seems to be very straightforward language, it causes the reader to stop and reconsider the force of what has been written. Furthermore, it causes the reader to realize just what sorts of things God is unable to experience: friendship, companionship, and petty amusements. It was at this point in the poem that I fully understood what Brooks was getting atÂâ€"the simple statement that life can be lonely at the top. Also, earlierShow MoreRelated Analysis and Interpretation of \1540 Words   |  7 PagesWithout a Hand to Hold Analysis and Interpretation of The Preacher Ruminates: Behind the Sermon Gwendolyn Brooks The Preacher Ruminates: Behind the Sermon gives an eerie look into a ministers mind. Indeed the poems premise is made clear from the opening line: It must be lonely to be God (1). The poem proceeds to note that while God is a much-revered and respected figure, he has no equal. The preachers revelation provides the reader a unique perspective into religion. Brooks points out