Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church

Author Unknown

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –
I keep it, staying at Home –
With a Bobolink for a Chorister –
And an Orchard, for a Dome –

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice –
I, just wear my Wings –
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton – sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman –
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to heaven, at last –
I’m going, all along.

Summary of “Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church”

Popularity of “Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church”: This poem, though sometimes misattributed to Emily Dickinson, is considered one of the most accessible and frequently anthologized works. It delves into the themes of religion, spirituality, and the individual’s relationship with the divine. The poem isn’t a rejection of faith itself, but rather a redefinition of where and how that faith is practiced.
“Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church” as a Representative of Conflict: The poem beautifully contrasts conventional religious observance with a personal, nature-centered spirituality. The speaker gently challenges the notion that attending church is the only or even the best way to connect with God. It suggests that genuine faith isn’t confined to a building or a prescribed ritual, but can be found in the beauty of the natural world and the quiet contemplation of one’s own soul. The conflict is about different paths to the same spiritual destination rather than right versus wrong.
Major Themes in “Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church”: Religion, individuality, nature, and the subjective experience of faith are central to the poem. The author proposes that God is omnipresent and accessible everywhere, not just within the walls of a church. The speaker’s ongoing spiritual journey “I’m going, all along” highlights the continuous, rather than deferred, nature of her connection with the divine. It is a poem about being spiritual, rather than becoming spiritual.

Analysis of Literary Devices in “Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church”

The author masterfully employs a range of literary devices to enrich the meaning and impact of this poem. These techniques allow her to convey complex ideas with remarkable clarity and artistry.

Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds within lines creates a musical quality and emphasizes certain words. For instance, notice the repetition of the short ‘i’ sound in “I keep it, staying at Home.” This subtle repetition draws attention to the speaker’s deliberate choice.
Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds, like the ‘n’ in “And the sermon is never long,” adds texture to the poem and creates a sense of rhythm. It reinforces the flow and cadence of the verses.
Alliteration: The use of repeated consonant sounds at the beginning of words, such as the ‘s’ sound in “Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice,” adds emphasis and creates a pleasing sound effect.
Irony: There is a subtle irony in the line “God preaches, a noted Clergyman.” It is ironic because the speaker finds God’s presence more readily in nature than in a traditional religious setting, gently challenging the notion that a human intermediary is necessary to connect with the divine.
Imagery: The poet is renowned for vivid and evocative imagery. Lines like “With a Bobolink for a Chorister – And an Orchard, for a Dome –” paint a vibrant picture of the speaker’s natural sanctuary, appealing to the reader’s senses and creating a strong emotional connection.
Metaphor: The poem is replete with metaphors that equate natural elements with religious concepts. The “Bobolink” as a “Chorister” and the “Orchard” as a “Dome” are powerful metaphors that suggest a more organic and accessible form of worship.
Symbolism: “Wings” symbolize freedom, transcendence, and the speaker’s ability to connect with the divine on her own terms. They suggest a spiritual elevation that isn’t dependent on earthly institutions.

Analysis of Poetic Devices in “Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church”

Beyond literary devices, the author utilizes specific poetic techniques to craft the structure and rhythm of this impactful poem.

Stanza: The poem consists of three stanzas, each contributing to the development of the speaker’s argument. This structure provides a logical flow and allows for a gradual unveiling of her unique perspective.
Quatrain: Each stanza is a quatrain, a four‑line stanza that is common in poetry. This form allows for concise expression and a controlled rhythm.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme; the rhyme is irregular and reflects the speaker’s departure from conventional religious norms.
Repetition: The recurring phrase “Some keep the Sabbath” acts as a refrain, emphasizing the contrast between conventional practice and the speaker’s alternative. It anchors the poem and draws attention to the central conflict.
Refrain: As noted above, the repetition of “Some keep the Sabbath” reinforces the thematic core of the poem and creates a memorable rhythm.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines from the poem offer powerful insights into the themes of individuality, spirituality, and the search for meaning.

“Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice –
I, just wear my Wings –
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton – sings.”

These verses encapsulate the poem’s central message: that genuine faith is not confined to a specific location or ritual, but can be found in the beauty of nature and the quiet contemplation of one’s own soul. They invite readers to question conventional norms and to embrace their own unique spiritual paths.

“Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church” is a deceptively simple poem that offers profound insights into the nature of faith and the importance of individual expression. The author’s masterful use of literary and poetic devices creates a work that is both beautiful and thought‑provoking, inviting readers to explore their own beliefs and to discover their own paths to the divine.