Narrator
The narrator of this lengthy poem is a woman. This woman is intended to be a metaphorical representation of all women who worship, follow, and believe in Jesus Christ. The narrator of this poem attempts to offer a different, more feminine perspective on Christ’s life and death. This poem is also meant to showcase more of the female perspective and role women played in both the creation of life and in Christ’s death. In short, the narrator uses this poem as a plea for women’s liberty and equality throughout the whole of the Earth.
Jesus Christ
In this poem, Jesus Christ is considered to be the very root of grace. He is the very definition and embodiment of all that is wholesome, good, and holy. The narrator makes a point to characterize Christ as the ultimate model of a human being; he is kind without reason; he heals the untouchable; and he loves the unlovable. In this way, Jesus Christ plays a very important role in this poem, especially in the face of his cruel and violent death.
God
Just as Jesus Christ is featured prominently in this poem, so too is God. Though Christ is portrayed as the embodiment of all things good, God plays a rather different role in this poem. God is depicted as being a rather malevolent and violent universal ruler. Though he loves his people and though he sent them Jesus Christ, God has the potential to rain fire down over all of humanity and undo his creations. The frightening power of God is meant to balance out the unfailing love and gentleness of Christ. Though God is characterized as a loving ruler of the universe, it is also made very clear that he has the potential to destroy everything and everyone with fire and anguish.
Sinners
The sinners in this poem—which are meant to represent all of humanity, as all humans commit sin—contrast the wholesome goodness and holiness of Jesus Christ. The narrator of this poem ensures that the sinners of the world are positioned as the root cause of Jesus’ unjust and violent deaths. These characters aim to capture and characterize the hate that humans give to one another and to our eternal Heavenly Father. In this way, the sinners of this poem help to characterize Jesus’ selflessness and holiness and are also positioned as the root cause of Jesus’ suffering.
