# The Prodigal Son explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Weldon Johnson.

## What happens

A retelling of the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, where a young man demands his inheritance, leaves his father's house, and journeys to Babylon. There he indulges in riotous living, is stripped of everything, and ends up feeding swine. Hitting rock bottom, he comes to himself and decides to return to his father, who welcomes him with open arms. The chapter warns young men against the temptations of Babylon and urges them to turn back to God before facing Death.

## Themes in this chapter

### Temptation and Fall

The young man succumbs to the allure of Babylon—drinking, gambling, and women—leading to his ruin and degradation.

### Resilience and Hope

Despite his fall, the young man 'comes to himself' and resolves to return to his father, who welcomes him with mercy and celebration.

## Character check-ins

### Father Abraham

Portrayed as God Almighty, the father who reluctantly gives his younger son his inheritance and later runs to welcome him back.

### Death

Referenced as 'bony Death' who will inevitably struggle with and overcome the young man.

### Jesus

Introduced as the speaker of the parable, though the narrative is delivered by a preacher figure.

## Key lines

> Young man— Young man— Your arm’s too short to box with God.

No matter how strong or defiant you think you are, you cannot fight against God and win.

_Opening warning that human strength is no match for divine power._

> Smooth and easy is the road That leads to hell and destruction. Down grade all the way, The further you travel, the faster you go.

The path to damnation seems effortless and pleasant at first, but it accelerates your downfall.

_Metaphor for the deceptive ease of sin._

> I will arise and go to my father.

I will get up and return to my father's house.

_The turning point where the prodigal son decides to repent and seek forgiveness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters/the-prodigal-son
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_13_se/chapters