Religion, particularly that of the Catholic persuasion, gets it almost as good as it gives in "The Black Heralds." While it causes all sorts of mayhem on poor old human beings, the poem fights back and compares death and destruction to religious images. It's the kind of poem Mel Gibson would love to make into a movie, if only he could get the rights.
Questions About Religion
- Why do you think Vallejo uses so many religious symbols in this poem?
- Does religion seem to offer any comfort to the speaker?
- How does this poem compare to other religious meditations on suffering?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Religion offers false hope for suffering people. Thanks a lot, religion.
Religion is what allows people to keep living in a difficult universe. Thanks a lot, religion!