When I read Judith of Bethulia by John Crowe Ransom I saw a poor (not poor as in someone that has no money, but someone I guess I pity) girl who has to stoop so low as to become a prostitute for a living.
This woman has to live with men coming after her and even abusing her when they use her services. I found it interesting that it seems that she seems to have no remorse in killing one of her clients. It also wonder if the bosses, the "elders" were forcing her to be involved in this employment.
This story kind of made me think of Rahab from the bible because these women seem to have similar lives to some degree. It kind of makes me wonder if the author was religious at all, that would be an interesting investigation.
After reading this poem, I am kind of curious as to why Ransom wrote it.
Geez, everyone has got really different takes on this poem!!! I've been really impressed with the variety of things people have had to say in their blogs about "Judith of Bethulia."
Sue, if I may make a shameless plug (as I have been doing on many others' blogs!), visit my blog and read my entry "Eve-n birds gotta shout." I can see how you'd get the idea of a prostitute from this poem, but I don't agree with you. (And that's okay!) There's a little history I've written about that you might find interesting.
Good thoughts, Sue :-)
Posted by: Karissa at March 2, 2005 9:42 PM