Who backs his rigid Sabbath, so to speak, against the wicked remnant of the week

Who backs his rigid Sabbath, so to speak, against the wicked remnant of the week

Thomas Hood was a British poet and humorist known for his witty and satirical works. In his poem "The Sabbath," Hood explores the contrast between the sacredness of the Sabbath day and the worldly distractions of the rest of the week. The line "Who backs his rigid Sabbath, so to speak, against the wicked remnant of the week" encapsulates this theme perfectly.

The speaker in the poem is reflecting on the character of a man who is devout in his observance of the Sabbath. This man is described as "rigid," suggesting that he is strict and unwavering in his adherence to religious practices. He sets aside this day as a time for worship, reflection, and rest, separating it from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

However, the speaker also acknowledges the challenges that this man faces in maintaining his Sabbath observance. The phrase "against the wicked remnant of the week" implies that the distractions and temptations of the secular world are constantly threatening to encroach upon the sanctity of the Sabbath. The man must constantly battle against these forces in order to preserve the sacredness of the day.

This conflict between the sacred and the profane is a common theme in Hood's work. He often uses humor and irony to highlight the absurdity of human behavior and the contradictions inherent in society. In "The Sabbath," he uses the contrast between the Sabbath and the rest of the week to comment on the struggle to maintain one's faith and values in a world that is often hostile to them.

Overall, the line "Who backs his rigid Sabbath, so to speak, against the wicked remnant of the week" captures the tension between religious devotion and worldly distractions that is central to Hood's poem. It serves as a reminder of the challenges that believers face in staying true to their faith in a world that is constantly pulling them in different directions.