Adam Lay In Bondage Poem Analysis

Man’s fall from grace into a world of sin is something that is often explored and analyzed for judgements and observations to be made; however, not every detail gains notice. The basis is always covered, Adam and Eve were tempted by the devil disguised as a serpent to trick them into eating the apple from the forbidden Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, and as result a state of innocence fell into a state of corruption met with a life sentence full of sin. This act of disobedience would plague all of mankind until their judgement. In “Adam lay in bondage” the fall of man is depicted through Adam’s portrayal of living a life bound in sin, and within that portrayal, bondage is given a new meaning. The use of the word “bounden” within the context of the poem is to not only represent the metaphorical bondage between man and sin, but more importantly, it sets the foundation in which man’s bondage in sin is what led to the receiving of salvation. …show more content…
“bī̆nden” 1, 3a, 4a). Already, there is this negative connotation to the word “bond” that is further exemplified by the lines: “Adam lay ibounden,/Bounden in a bond” (1-2). Adam’s bondage to sin is similar to that of an actual prisoner in that his disobedience is what caused his fall and because of it, he is being punished. This act of punishment is further developed by the second lines’ usage of alliteration through “bounden in a bond” where its translation is bound in a bond of sin. The lyric’s use of alliterations exemplifies the seriousness of Adam’s downfall and what life means for him; he’s no longer a man, but a prisoner. He’s a prisoner of his