Alice Sick

By Jean de La Fontaine

Narrative Poem
    SICK, Alice grown, and fearing dire event,     Some friend advised a servant should be sent     Her confessor to bring and ease her mind; -     Yes, she replied, to see him I'm inclined;     Let father Andrew instantly be sought: -     By him salvation usually I'm taught.     A MESSENGER was told, without delay,     To take, with rapid steps, the convent way;     He rang the bell - a monk enquired his name,     And asked for what, or whom, the fellow came.     I father Andrew want, the wight replied,     Who's oft to Alice confessor and guide:     With Andrew, cried the other, would you speak?     If that's the case, he's far enough to seek;     Poor man! he's left us for the regions blessed,     And has in Paradise ten years confessed.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem at hand is a tale of miscommunication, mortality, and spiritual longing, dressed in a cloak of subtle humor. This narrative verse employs an accessible rhyme scheme, which lends a rhythmical continuity to the tale and enhances its storytelling charm.

The central character, Alice, is depicted as a devout woman whose faith in her spiritual advisor, Father Andrew, is so profound that she remains oblivious to his death for ten years. This could reflect on the theme of spiritual isolation and the disconnect between religious institutions and their followers. The tone maintains a gentle satire, particularly in the last two lines, where the monk's nonchalant revelation of Father Andrew's death serves as an unexpected punchline, adding a layer of tragicomic irony to the narrative.

The poem seems to be structured in a way that mirrors Alice's journey from anxiety to (presumably) shock. The first half, with its quick, action-filled lines, reflects Alice's urgent desire for spiritual relief, while the slower, more measured pace of the second half could be seen as the calm before the impending revelation. The use of dialogue adds an element of realism to the verse, and the anonymous narration allows the characters' words and actions to take center stage. Overall, the poem is a compelling blend of human emotions, religious connotations, and narrative surprise, delivered with a touch of wry humor.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.