Page 1: Up-Hill - A Journey of Faith and Reassurance

The poem "Up-Hill" presents a profound dialogue between two voices, exploring the challenging path of Christian faith through metaphorical journey imagery. The first voice poses questions about the difficult path ahead, while the second voice provides steady, comforting responses that affirm the presence of divine guidance and ultimate rest.

Vocabulary: Monosyllables - Words consisting of only one syllable, used here to create a drawn-out effect that mirrors the journey's length.

Example: The line "Yes, to the very end" demonstrates how the responding voice maintains a consistent tone of certainty and reassurance throughout the poem.

Definition: Cadences - The rhythmic flow of verses, here used with low tones to convey authority and reassurance in the answering voice.

Highlight: The poem's structure alternates between 10-syllable and 6-syllable lines, physically representing the up-and-down nature of life's spiritual journey.

Quote: "Will there be beds for me and all who seek? / Yea, beds for all who come." This powerful conclusion emphasizes the universal accessibility of divine grace.

The poem makes significant literary and biblical references, including connections to John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress" and John 15:14 ("You are my friends if you do what I command"). The questioning voice represents all spiritual seekers, while the answering voice embodies divine guidance and wisdom, creating a universal narrative about faith, doubt, and ultimate salvation.