# Failure explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

A brief poetic reflection on failure, addressing the 'Arm of the Lord' and a man who hated the sword yet struck without sparing, culminating in the paradox of knowing no failure but the failure of the Lord.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Purification

The poem reflects on failure and the striking of the abhorred, suggesting a purifying or sacrificial aspect.

### Redemption and Grace

The concept of the Lord's failure implies a deeper redemptive purpose beyond human failure.

## Character check-ins

### Lord

Addressed as 'Arm of the Lord' and 'word of the Word' in the poem.

### God

Referenced as 'the Lord' whose failure is the only failure known.

## Key lines

> Farewell, O Arm of the Lord! Man who hated the sword, Yet struck and spared not the thing abhorred!

Goodbye to the divine power; a man who despised violence nevertheless struck down what was detested without mercy.

_Highlights the paradox of a reluctant warrior acting against his nature._

> Man who knew no failure But the failure of the Lord!

A man who experienced no defeat except the defeat that belongs to God.

_Suggests that true failure is divine, not human, and may be part of a larger plan._

## Links

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