"Jerusalem" is a poem about perseverance if there ever was one. Think about it. In the poem's third and fourth stanzas, the speaker is essentially getting ready for battle (bring me my bow, bring me my spear, etc.). The goal is to build Jerusalem, and the speaker isn't going to stop until that happens. He wants to believe that it's already been built once before (in England), so at least there's some hope. Nevertheless, it's not an easy task, and the speaker flat out says that his word will not sleep, and he will not cease, until that task is done.
Questions About Perseverance
- How does that phrase "Mental Fight" relate to perseverance? Is this a metaphor for staying mentally alert while focusing on a goal? Why or why not?
- How does all the repetition in this poem relate to the theme of perseverance?
- Does the speaker say anything about what will happen if he stops persevering? Are there examples of failure in this poem that make that clear?
- Is Jesus (the Lamb of God) a model of perseverance in this poem? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Perseverance is about keeping your eye on the prize, keeping your sword sharp, your arrows ready, and your chariot lit and moving—metaphorically speaking of course.
Perseverance in pursuit of a goal is just like a battle. That's why the speaker is all about those weapons.