'Theologically, the poem is not first-rate. Of course it is doubtful how much the poet was interested in theology.'Click for footnote The poet seems to have tried to bring a feeling across, rather than an orthodox treatise. He has used whatever imagery could help him in this task, relying more on vivid details and popular imagery than


by the calling of worldly desires represented by the body. It also demonstrates our despair when man has to facethe fact that he was too weak to fight against his desires.

The meeting of the soul and body before the resurrection of the dead is belongs to the less known visionary

on theological correctness. Letting the soul return to the body after death introduces two allegorical personae which every reader or listener will understand. The soul speaks for Christian doctrine, or even Christ himself, and for the good intentions that have been overrun

apocalypse. But the soul uses ideas from the more well-known historic apocalypses within its argumentation, such as the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or , Judgement Day itself. The idea of the seventh day holiday which only occurs in the Apocalypse of Paul, is once more part of the visionary apocalypse.

The main apocalyptic element that can be found in this poem is the apocalyptic present, which constitutes the poem's theme. He describes the torment, the agony, the despair of the man who suddenly realises that he has damned himself for eternity, using images that are terrifying. It is too late. He has reached the 'point of no return' and now has to face a judge who is frighteningly just. The message that this tragic anti-hero seems to bring across is: Beware! Change your life while you have the chance. Or as Shippey phrases it: '...the world is a dangerous and deceitful place where men need to have their wits about them, where second thoughts are wisest.' and '...not even Christ's blood is free: everything has to be paid for, sin by sin and limb by limb.'Click for footnote You don't know when death will come, so turn around while you still can.

  Address of the saved soul to its body