Literature as a subject has never failed in performing its
didactic function as it keeps on teaching individuals moral lessons through the
exposition of societal ills in order to correct them. This time around, through
William Morris' "The Proud King," literature has exposed a universal
issue which is part and parcel of every individual.
The universal issue treated in William Morris' poem, "The
Proud King" which also serves as the predominant theme of the poem, is
pride. Through his epic, William Morris exposed one of the undeniable features
of the human nature as he tells the story of a king (King Jovinian) whose
affluence and influence make him compare himself with God. King Jovinian is a
very influential and affluential king whose achievements cannot in any way be
compared with that of his predecessors:
For no man now could give him dread or doubt,The land was 'neath his sceptre far and wide,And at his back would well-armed myraids shout. (Lines 22 - 24).
Unfortunately, king Jovinian allows pride to take over his senses
which consequently makes him compares himself with God:
Then swelled his vain, unthinking heart with pride,Until at last he raised him up and cried,"What need have I for temple or for priest,Am I not God, whiles that I live at least." (Lines 25 - 28).
King Jovinian's insolence angers God who does share His glory with
any man. Consequently, God reduces King Jovinian from a prominent man in the
society to an ordinary man by making him walk naked before the people he
governs and also, causes the hot sun to sorely burn his naked skin. (Line 100).
The lesson every human should learn from king Jovinian's story or
experience is "pride goes before a fall." It is an undeniable fact
that this moral lesson from king Jovinian's story is same with that of king
Nebuchadnezzar and king Herod in the bible whose display of pride reduced them
to nothing among their subjects. Whereas God caused king Nebuchadnezzar to eat
grasses for seven years by turning him into an animal, He caused worms to feast
on the living body of king Herod who consequently died.
In sum, from all indications, William Morris' "The Proud
King" is an allusion to these biblical stories and as such, presenting a
theme which conforms with the main theme of these biblical stories, thereby
showcasing literature as a teacher of global issues which sometimes conform
with biblical teachings. The lessons or experiences of the victims of these
stories will no doubt serve as a corrective measure to all and sundry who sees
pride as something worth displaying.
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