De Profundis by David Park Barnitz
The work explores themes of despair, spiritual anguish, and the quest for redemption. It begins with a profound cry for divine assistance from a place of deep suffering and isolation. The speaker feels trapped in a metaphorical grave, overwhelmed by darkness and decay, symbolized by crawling worms and oppressive toads. This imagery conveys a sense of hopelessness and the weight of past sins. The speaker acknowledges a cycle of falling into despair and struggling to rise again, emphasizing the difficulty of escaping this pit of misery. There is a plea for divine intervention, highlighting the belief that only a higher power can provide salvation from this torment. The repeated references to death and decay illustrate the speaker's internal struggle and the feeling of being consumed by despair. As the narrative progresses, the speaker reflects on the loss of joy and vitality, recognizing the consequences of their actions. The imagery of being a "housing for the toad" and the absence of light signifies a complete surrender to despair. The work culminates in a stark realization of the speaker's condition, likening themselves to a man who is already dead, both physically and spiritually. Ultimately, the piece serves as a meditation on the human condition, the depths of suffering, and the yearning for redemption and renewal amidst overwhelming darkness.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1905 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Existential · 307 words
First lines
Out of the grave, O God, I call to thee, Be thou not deaf unto my dolorous cry;
My soul is fallen down into the sty, And the dead things are crawling over me;
What this Textopian page supports
De Profundis is listed on Textopian as an essay by David Park Barnitz, dated 1905 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1905 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Existential, Lament, Philosophical
- Length: 307 words
- Structure: 1 section, 18 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for De Profundis by David Park Barnitz
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering De Profundis?
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Similar titles
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- I Will Write Letters To The Grass by Helen Hay Whitney
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- Helas by David Park Barnitz
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- There Was A Saviour by Dylan Thomas
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Religious — The themes revolve around a plea to God, exploring faith and despair.
- Existential — The text delves into themes of existence, suffering, and the human condition.
- Lament — The tone and content express deep sorrow and mourning.
Tags
Epistolary · Autobiographical · Memoir · Literary Fiction · Philosophical · Psychological Insight · Self-Discovery · Existentialism · Catharsis · Emotional Depth · Inner Turmoil · Spiritual Crisis