The Journey of the Magi by T. S. Eliot summary and analysis

 

 

The Journey of the Magi

by T. S. Eliot 1927

 

‘A cold coming we had of it,

Just the worst time of the year

For a journey, and such a long journey:

The ways deep and the weather sharp,

The very dead of winter.’

And the camels galled, sore-footed, refractory,

Lying down in the melting snow.

There were times we regretted

The summer palaces on slopes, the terraces,

And the silken girls bringing sherbet.

Then the camel men cursing and grumbling

And running away, and wanting their liquor and women,

And the night-fires going out, and the lack of shelters,

And the cities hostile and the towns unfriendly

And the villages dirty and charging high prices:

A hard time we had of it.

At the end we preferred to travel all night,

Sleeping in snatches,

With the voices singing in our ears, saying

That this was all folly.

Then at dawn we came down to a temperate valley,

Wet, below the snow line, smelling of vegetation;

With a running stream and a water-mill beating the darkness,

And three trees on the low sky,

And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow.

Then we came to a tavern with vine-leaves over the lintel,

Six hands at an open door dicing for pieces of silver,

And feet kicking the empty wine-skins.

But there was no information, and so we continued

And arriving at evening, not a moment too soon

Finding the place; it was (you may say) satisfactory.

All this was a long time ago, I remember,

And I would do it again, but set down

This set down

This: were we led all that way for

Birth or Death? There was a birth, certainly,

We had evidence and no doubt. I had seen birth and death,

But had thought they were different; this Birth was

Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death.

We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,

But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation,

With an alien people clutching their gods.

I should be glad of another death.

 

 

The poem Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot reflects on the difficult and transformative journey of the Magi (wise men) to witness the birth of Jesus Christ. The Magi, or wise men, were members of the priestly caste of the Zoroastrian religion. They were thought to be knowledgeable about astronomy and able to interpret dreams. (The word Magi is plural; the singular form is Magus.)

 

The Magi begin by describing the harsh conditions of their journey to Bethlehem, emphasizing the cold and challenging circumstances.  The journey took place during the most unfavorable season, making it even more difficult due to its length.  The roads were difficult, and the weather was harsh, indicating that they traveled during the harshest part of winter.  The camels, essential for their journey, suffered from sores and exhaustion, lying down in the snow. The Magi reminisce about the comforts of their homes, the luxurious palaces, and the pleasant memories of summer. The difficulties increase, with the camel handlers their tone was like a curse, the challenges of finding shelter, and the inhospitable nature of the places they pass through.  Frustrated and fatigued, the Magi choose to travel at night, but doubts and voices questioning the purpose of their journey. They felt it like not appropriate.  


The mood shifts as they arrive at a more hospitable place with a temperate climate, nature, and signs of life. They encounter a tavern with people engaged in mundane activities, suggesting life going on despite their extraordinary journey.  They persist in their quest despite the lack of guidance and finally reach their destination in the evening, finding it satisfactory.

Reflecting on the journey, the Magi question whether it was for the birth or death. They witnessed the birth of Christ, but it was a difficult and agonizing experience, akin to death.

Having returned to their respective kingdoms, the Magi find themselves uneasy in their old way of life, surrounded by people with different beliefs. The speaker expresses a desire for another death, possibly longing for a spiritual rebirth or transformation.

The poem explores themes of sacrifice, spiritual awakening, and the profound impact of encountering the divine in the midst of hardship.

 

Critical analysis

The poem is written in the first person, with one of the Magi narrating the account of their journey to see the birth of Christ. This narrative approach allows Eliot to delve into the internal thoughts and reflections of the Magus.

The poem draws on the biblical narrative of the Three Wise Men or Magi who traveled to Bethlehem to witness the birth of Jesus. The journey serves as a spiritual  transformation and the encounter with the divine.

The title, The Journey of the Magi, sets the tone for the poem and indicates that it is not just a historical account but a metaphorical journey of spiritual significance. The Magi's physical journey becomes a symbol of the spiritual quest for meaning and understanding.

The tone of the poem is contemplative. The Magus recounts their experience with a mix of nostalgia, disillusionment, and a sense of spiritual transformation.

Eliot employs vivid sensory imagery to convey the physical and emotional aspects of the Magi's journey. Descriptions of the cold, the camels, and the landscapes create a tangible atmosphere, while the use of "sweating" and "dying" evokes a sense of discomfort and hardship.

The Magi undergo a spiritual transformation during their journey. The encounter with the divine has a profound impact on them, and the birth of Christ is described as a "hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death." This suggests that true spiritual rebirth often comes with sacrifice and a breaking away from the old self.

Eliot weaves religious symbolism throughout the poem, drawing attention to the spiritual significance of the journey.