Ezra Bartlett by Edgar Lee Masters

Name: Ezra Bartlett
Author: Edgar Lee Masters

The narrative presents a reflective monologue from a character who has served as a chaplain in various capacities, including the army and prisons, and has engaged in spiritual exhortation within a community. The speaker grapples with the contradictions of their spiritual journey, acknowledging a deep yearning for divine connection while simultaneously confronting personal failures and societal judgments. The character expresses a sense of disillusionment, particularly regarding their relationship with Eliza Johnson, which has led to shame and self-loathing. This tension highlights the struggle between spiritual aspirations and human desires, suggesting that the pursuit of divinity is often clouded by earthly temptations, such as romantic love and alcohol. The speaker posits that these stimulants serve as temporary aids in the quest for a higher understanding, yet ultimately distract from the true path to enlightenment. As the monologue progresses, the speaker reflects on the necessity of enduring trials and the eventual realization that true divinity can only be attained through inner strength and self-reliance. This journey emphasizes the importance of personal growth and the idea that the soul must learn to find its own power, rather than relying on external influences. The character's insights reveal a profound understanding of the complexities of faith, love, and the human condition, culminating in a recognition that the divine is not merely an external force but an intrinsic aspect of the self that must be cultivated through introspection and resilience.

By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1915 · Genre: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical · 148 words

First lines

A chaplain in the army, A chaplain in the prisons, An exhorter in Spoon River, Drunk with divinity, Spoon River --

Yet bringing poor Eliza Johnson to shame, And myself to scorn and wretchedness.

But why will you never see that love of women, And even love of wine, Are the stimulants by which the soul, hungering for divinity, Reaches the ecstatic vision And sees the celestial outposts?

Only after many trials for strength, Only when all stimulants fail, Does the aspiring soul By its own sheer power Find the divine By resting upon itself.

What this Textopian page supports

Ezra Bartlett is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1915 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Edgar Lee Masters
Date: 1915 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Spiritual, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Historical
Length: 148 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on emotional and spiritual themes.
Spiritual — The themes revolve around divinity, the soul's aspirations, and the search for meaning.
Philosophical — The text explores deep questions about existence, love, and the nature of the divine.
Literary Fiction — The work presents complex characters and themes, typical of literary fiction.