The Breaking Point
The narrative explores the internal struggle of an individual grappling with temptation and moral conflict. The protagonist initially resists the overwhelming forces of temptation, standing firm against the darker aspects of their nature. They experience a fierce battle, likening their struggle to a physical confrontation with evil, ultimately emerging victorious and maintaining their integrity. However, the true challenge arises not from the external temptations but from the aftermath of victory. In a moment of peace, the protagonist becomes vulnerable to insidious thoughts that invade their mind. The tranquility that follows the battle is deceptive, as it gives rise to self-doubt and reflection on past choices. The protagonist is haunted by the question of what might have been, leading to a spiral of introspection and regret. The work delves into themes of human frailty, the complexity of moral choices, and the psychological torment that can accompany moments of peace. It illustrates how the mind can become a battleground, where whispers of doubt can undermine even the strongest resolve. The protagonist's journey highlights the fragility of self-control and the persistent nature of temptation, suggesting that the greatest threats often arise from within rather than from external forces. Ultimately, the narrative serves as a meditation on the human condition, emphasizing the ongoing struggle between virtue and vice, and the haunting nature of "what if" scenarios that can plague one's thoughts long after a battle has been fought.
By Stephen Vincent Benet · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Psychological, Philosophical · 340 words
First lines
It was not when temptation came, Swiftly and blastingly as flame, And seared me white with burning scars; When I stood up for age-long wars And held the very Fiend at grips; When all my mutinous body rose To range itself beside my foes, And, like a greyhound in the slips, The Beast that dwells within me roared, Lunging and straining at his cord.
For all the blusterings of Hell, It was not then I slipped and fell; For all the storm, for all the hate, I kept my soul inviolate!
What this Textopian page supports
The Breaking Point is listed on Textopian as a poem by Stephen Vincent Benet, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Stephen Vincent Benet
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Psychological, Philosophical, Literary Fiction, Drama
- Length: 340 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Inner Room by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- De Ligurra by Robert Louis Stevenson
- My Conscience by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Man Who Died by D. H. Lawrence
- Fate by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Hour Of The Angel by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Psychological — The themes explore the internal struggle and mental conflict of the speaker, focusing on the psyche.
- Philosophical — The poem delves into existential questions and moral dilemmas, reflecting on human nature and choices.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is sophisticated and introspective, typical of literary fiction.
Tags
temptation · internal conflict · struggle · self-control · victory · defeat · peace · mind · whispers · nature · fear · doubt