St Paul's Cathedral TS Eliot's Four Quartets - Revd Canon Mark Oakley (Part II: Burnt Norton) 2016
Oct 9, 2017
Canon Mark Oakley, a thought-provoking speaker at St Paul's, dives into T.S. Eliot's 'Burnt Norton' with poetic insight. He uncovers how the poem intricately examines the concepts of time and memory, revealing spiritual reflections woven through its verses. Oakley sheds light on the circularity of time, suggesting that grasping its nature leads to true understanding. Using vivid imagery, he emphasizes the fleeting beauty of existence and the significance of moments that connect our past and future, inviting listeners to explore their own spiritual journeys.
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Burnt Norton and Time
- Burnt Norton, the first quartet, explores the nature of life within time.
- It emphasizes the presence of past, present, and future, questioning the notion of time's linearity.
Eliot's Visit to Burnt Norton
- In 1934, T.S. Eliot visited Burnt Norton, an uninhabited mansion in Gloucestershire.
- The mansion's name, referencing a previous house burnt down, connects to themes of time and memory.
Redemption Within Time
- The poem emphasizes that redemption is possible only within time.
- Embracing our time-bound nature, rather than escaping it, is essential for change and recovery.
