journey of the maji

A detailed Summary of journey of the maji

The Magi are a class of Zoroastrian priests in ancient Media and Persia. The three Magi are traveling to Bethlehem to pay homage to Jesus Christ. As they make their way toward the saviour they begin to learn that the world around them has become full of corruption. Slowly, after time, the wise men realize that a death from this materialistic world is the only way to be born into the Kingdom of paradise. In his poem "Journey of the Magi," T.S. Eliot takes us, the reader, on a physical and spiritual journey by the use of several poetic devices; form and structure, the use of sound, engagement of the senses and figurative language.

Eliot uses the form and structure of the poem to enforce the mythic construct of a physical and spiritual journey. He separates the poem into three sections or stanzas. First innocence: Spiritually and physically, the Magi have no idea of the hardships that a journey to praise the baby Jesus, will entail. To their alarm they begin to see the disgusting state that their world is in. Second the fall: The wise men separate themselves from the rest of their society. However, they have high expectations that the birth of Christ will be grandeur and when they arrive, they

Finally Eliot uses figurative language to help us experience the spiritual journey the wise men take. He utilizes biblical allusions and symbolism to make the experience more meaningful. "And an old white horse galloped away in the meadow" (25). This use of symbolism can be interpreted in various different ways. The horse represents the Magi isolated from the rest of the world, since it appears in the second stanza when they are in 'the fall'. The Magi are trying to leave behind the old contemptible world and its old beliefs. White traditionally represents purity and the Magi are coming closer to purity, Christ. As well, Eliot makes the biblical reference to the birth of Jesus, "I had seen birth and death, / But had thought they were different; this Births was/ Hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death" (37-39). This paradox of dying to be born is carried throughout the poem, but is finally realized in the last stanza of redemption. The Magus has learned that he must release himself from the possessions of this earthly world and prepare for the passage into the true Kingdom. This completes his spiritual journey, which started so long ago.

innocence - the fall - redemption. Eliot wants the reader to learn the same lesson that the Magi have, that happiness and paradise can never be achieved on this earthly world. We must first leave behind our old belief system to enter into the holy Kingdom.

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

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Approximate Word count = 1056
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English