Edwin Muir Horse and Lord Byron Darkness Comparison

Religious scholars, philosopher, and scientist have prophesied the end of time either through biblical allusions or high tech going wrong. Technology innovations such as nuclear arsenal have the ability to wipe the entire world. The subject of end of times has also emerged as them in literature in the form of poems and other forms of literature work. “Horse” by Edwin Muir and “Darkness by Lord Byron are poems which have captured the theme of the end of time using multiple stylistic devices. In particular, the two poets have anchored their poetry on the apocalypse of the human race. All the event capture depicts a civilized society which has been devastated by the impact of nuclear war, “We listened to our breathing and were afraid”.

On the second day,’ the war had led to massive suffering. On the other hand, Lord Byron poem setting is based on the romantic period during which was characterized by several events which resemble the biblical apocalypse. The poet got his inspiration from the eruption of Mount Tambour in Indonesia which caused darkness in the entire county. Similarly, just like the work of the Edwin, the poem also takes a future approach by predicting some of the events which will happen in the event of an apocalypse. The theme of war which has been used by the author has created a mood of bitterness among the survivors. Nevertheless, the emergence of the horses changes the tone of the poem and sets an atmosphere of hope and ambition.

Philosophers have played a primary role in defining some religious dogmas. In particular, during the enlightenment period philosophers had a more focus on religion and science. Edwin poem is full of Calvinist and Presbyterian run throughout the poems. A metaphor stylistics device which is used in poetry, Edwin uses the device in his poem, “curled blindly” is an example of a metaphor. In this case, the nations of the earth are being compared to unborn babies. Particularly, just like the babies are helpless and in need of protection, so were the survivors of the war. They were weak and vulnerable and defenseless due to the devastation caused by the war. Moreover, just like unborn babies are oblivious to the outside their mother’s womb, so were the remnants of war of the battle completely alone from survivors in other countries.

Lord also used symbolism in his work: abyss symbolized the unending suffering which will be witnessed in the event of an apocalypse. Biblical allusions have been used in both poems since the theme of apocalypse has been captured in the bible. In particular, the Bible provides insights into the events which will happen during such events. In Edwin poem, “they had come from their own Eden” (line 51) has been used to connote the beauty of nature and the bliss of happiness which had characterized the garden. The author indicated that the horse originated from a place which was full of serenity and tranquility. Consequently, the fear associated with the strange turn of events has led to losing hope as well as their faith In God.