"Journey of the Magi" Analysis

    T.S. Eliot's "Journey of the Magi" reflects the journey of the three wise men as they went to see Jesus Christ in the manger. However, the poem's tone is much different than one would expect. Eliot portrays the journey as long and grueling, without any clear destination in sight. Their were times when they almost turned back and considered the entire journey a folly. He even goes as far as to compare the journey to death by saying that "this Birth was hard and bitter agony for us, like Death, our death." However, this reflects the notion that one must reach their bitter end before reaching their destination. While the journey of the magi was long and painful, once they reached Jerusalem, they were able to meet Jesus Christ and present him with three precious gifts. While Eliot takes a different tone than normal, it increases the effectiveness of the overall poem. Instead of telling of the joy of meeting baby Jesus, Eliot tells of the grueling sacrifice it took to reach Him.


 “Journey of the Magi.” Poetry Archive, www.poetryarchive.org/poem/journey-magi.

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