# Dorcas explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

The poem imagines Dorcas, a woman who likely heard Jesus speak and was moved by his teaching that serving the least of his brethren is serving him. She returns home, weaves garments for the poor, and after her death, the community mourns her by displaying the coats she made.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love as Ultimate Strength

Dorcas's love for Jesus motivates her to serve the poor, and her charitable acts are a testament to love in action.

### Redemption and Grace

Dorcas's service to the needy is a response to Jesus's grace, and her life exemplifies the redemptive power of selfless love.

## Character check-ins

### Jesus Christ

Dorcas heard Jesus speak and was inspired by his teaching about serving the needy.

### Unknown

The narrator reflects on Dorcas's encounter with Jesus and her subsequent acts of charity.

## Key lines

> When did we see thee naked, Lord, And clothed thee in thy need?

When did we see you in need and help you?

_Dorcas recalls Jesus's teaching that serving the poor is serving him._

> The King shall answer, Inasmuch As to my brethren ye Did it⁠—even to the least of such⁠— Ye did it unto me.

The King will reply that whatever you did for the least of my brothers and sisters, you did for me.

_Jesus's words from the Gospel, emphasizing that acts of kindness to the needy are acts of kindness to him._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/dorcas
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters