LENT AND THE ARTS – Poetry & Film
This article covers the last two of five lectures in the series ‘Lent and the Arts’ held on
Thursday evenings during Lent.
Poetry.
Paul welcomed Revd Kathryn Fleming who came to speak about
Poetry. Kathryn read English Literature at Cambridge, and is now Assistant Curate
at St Mary’s Charlton Kings.
In our act of worship, Paul chose to read from John chapter 1, which starts ‘In the
beginning was the Word …’.
Kathryn kindly provided us with copies of poems and extracts. She remarked that
poetry is making the most of thoughts and words. Poetry may make plain and
enhance the meaning of a writer’s thoughts.
Her first piece of poetry was an extract from ‘Ash Wednesday’ by T S Eliot, 1888 –
1965. This was part of Six Preludes for Lent, published just after Eliot’s conversion.
‘To Keep a True Lent’ by Robert Herrick, 1591 – 1674, thought of Lent in a more
practical way. Centuries later we still tend to focus on giving up palatable pleasures
during Lent. In the final verse of his poem Herrick tells us,
“To show a heart grief-rent;
To starve thy sin,
No bin;
And that’s to keep thy Lent.”
There were two poems by Elizabeth Jennings, 1926 – 2001, the first: ‘Easter Duties’.
After reflections and questions she suggests,
“I offer small heartbreak,
Catch grace almost by Chance.”
The second: ‘Dust’. That we are dust is a sobering thought, but we may take heart
when it is said:
“But in that dust is wrought
A place for visions, a hope
That reaches beyond the stars.”
John Donne, 1572 – 1631, wrote many poems. It has been said that 17th century
poets were very clever, but their work lacked action and emotion. However, in this
poem Donne throws himself on God’s mercy, demanding action. It is full of emotion
and energy.
Kathryn spoke about the selected poems, drawing out their meaning and linking them
with our journey through Lent. She also read several other poems. Included in these
were some verses about a Mothering Sunday service in which the bunches of flowers
were enhanced by the appearance of a beautiful butterfly. Other poems had
thoughts of repentance and renewal, and of remaining faithful when assailed by
doubts.
To end the evening, Paul, empathetic as always, allowed us a short time of complete
silence. Now we were able to reflect on the thought-provoking and interesting
interpretation of the poetry which Kathryn had presented to us.
Canon Mike Parsons, who came to talk to us about ‘Film’, has an
important role in the training of clergy in Gloucestershire, Worcestershire,
Herefordshire and parts of Bristol. Paul commented that ‘Film’ was an appropriate
choice for our last lecture as films might be considered a comparatively modern artform. In our last act of worship Paul read an account of the Passion from Mark
chapter 14.
Film.
Canon Parsons told us how the Church has difficulty in answering the questions of
the estimated 40% of people who have no link with any sort of church. He felt that
scientists now have more insight than philosophers into the queries and problems of
young people. Films can have a tremendous impact upon young adults, and may be
able to answer the questions of ordinary men and women in this group, who seem
readily to identify with films. Canon Parsons regards films as a valuable learning
tool, and uses a wide selection, ranging from Matrix, through Shirley Valentine and
Charlie Brown to The Simpsons.
Selected for us to watch was an extract from the end of ‘Dead Man Walking’, a film
based on a book of the same name by Sister Helen Prejean, a Roman Catholic nun.
We were provided with an outline of the story.
Sister Helen receives a letter from Matthew Poncelet, sentenced to death for the
brutal murder of a young couple. He asks her to be his spiritual adviser. Sister
Helen must face Poncelet’s unrepentant anguish. She must also deal with the rage
and hatred of the victims’ families. They believe their unbearable loss can only be
soothed if they witness Poncelet’s execution.
This film was not easy to watch; the dialogue was full of pain and tension; the visual
detail was distressing; while the background music fulfilled its purpose by underlining
the anxiety and stress. Eventually, Poncelet was able to repent and acknowledge his
guilt, and accept love and redemption.
The victims’ families were present. One was unforgiving and revengeful: it was torn
apart by these emotions. The other wanted to forgive and move forward: the healing
process had begun.
‘Dead Man Walking’ showed us the detail of a death sentence in piteous reality.
These pictures and words are difficult to put aside, and may be in our minds during
our Easter worship, as we reflect on the cruel death of Jesus.
We do not know if what we have seen may be used to advantage in some way.
Individual responses will, no doubt, vary tremendously.
Thanks.
I have been told that Felicity had the idea of using the Arts as the
theme for five lectures in Lent. This idea was then developed by Paul and his team.
All the talks were linked by the thread of our worship, which included readings by
Paul, and the series provided a valuable part of our preparation for Easter. We have
been privileged to hear interesting lectures, given by knowledgeable and gifted
speakers, and our thanks go to all who have played a part in this rewarding and most
successful project.
Clare Holden