The Flesh and the Spirit

In traditional Christian theology, flesh is a power that is set against the spirit; since the fall of Adam from Eden, flesh has represented the sinful condition of humankind. St. Paul attributed to flesh a long list of undesirable behaviors, such as lust, immorality, fornication, debauchery, and drunkenness. In her speech in the poem, however, Flesh does not advocate any of those vices. (It would have been unimaginable for a female poet in Puritan New England to do so, even in the guise of a character in a poem, and even if she had wanted to.) Rather, Flesh argues for something seemingly pure: The desire for wealth and fame. If a person wants to attain “honor” (Line 25), in the eyes of their fellow citizens, Flesh says, they should work toward that goal; “immortal fame" (Line 26) will await them, and monuments will be put up in their name. If a person is rich, the same would apply, so Flesh recommends the acquisition of wealth. After all, the world offers so much of it; there is “more silver, pearls, and gold / Than eyes can see, or hands can hold” (Lines 31-32). Who would not want to accumulate such precious things? Everyone wants to be rich, successful, honored, famous.