Ennui by David Park Barnitz (1979)
"Ennui" by David Park Barnitz explores themes of existential boredom and disillusionment. The speaker reflects on their solitude and dreams while seated in a metaphorical "Gomorrah." The arrival of the seven mortal sins, personified as figures in rich attire, symbolizes the allure and futility of temptation. Despite their beauty and presence, the speaker dismisses them, expressing a sense of weariness with life and a desire for escape from the repetitive nature of existence. The poem captures a profound sense of ennui, emphasizing the speaker's belief that nothing is truly meaningful or new.
By David Park Barnitz · First published 1979 · Genre: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical · 127 words
First lines
I sat in tall Gomorrah on a day, Boring myself with solitude and dreams, When, like strange priests, with sacerdotal tread, The seven mortal sins, in rich array, Came in and knelt: one old, and weak, and gray, One that was shrouded like a person dead, And one whose robes cast reddish-purple gleams Upon her scornful face at peace alway.
They swung before me amschirs of strange gold, And one most beautiful began to pray, Dreamily garmented in pallid blue.
But I said only -- I have dream'd of you.
Naught really is; all things are very old, And very foolish.
What this Textopian page supports
Ennui is listed on Textopian as a poem by David Park Barnitz, dated 1979 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: David Park Barnitz
- Date: 1979 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Symbolism, Philosophical, Gothic, Literary Fiction
- Length: 127 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
- Symbolism — The imagery and themes reflect symbolic representations of concepts like ennui and existentialism.
- Philosophical — The text explores deep philosophical themes regarding existence and perception.
- Gothic — The atmosphere and themes evoke a sense of darkness and introspection typical of Gothic literature.
Tags
Existentialism · Philosophy · Literary Fiction · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Mental Health · Isolation · Loneliness · Disillusionment · Nihilism · Absurdity · Inner Turmoil