An analysis of Wright's poem Saint Judas When reading the poem "Saint Judas" by James Wright, the reader quickly realizes that the poem is about Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. . The author describes Judas as "going out to commit suicide" (line 1) when he sees a man being beaten by "a pack of thugs" (2). Judas quickly runs to the man's aid, forgetting "how [his] day began" (4). He leaves his rope behind and, ignoring the soldiers around him, runs to help her. Eventually, he remembers the circumstances surrounding his suicidal intentions and realizes that he is "banished from heaven"(9) and "without hope"(13). He still runs towards the man and holds him “for nothing in [his] arms”. (14) In order to understand James Wright's intentions in writing this poem, one must first understand the biblical story it discusses. According to the Bible, "Satan entered into Judas, who was numbered among the twelve [apostles]. Then he went and conferred with the chief priests and the captains, how he might deliver [Jesus] to them. And they were glad, and He accepted to give him money. Then he promised and sought opportunity to deliver it to them” (Luke 22:3-6) The Bible goes on to document Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper, and Jesus revealing his knowledge. of Judas' plan to betray him. He said to his apostles: “But behold, the hand of my betrayer is with me on the table” (Luke 22. 21). them by kissing Jesus "Now he who had betrayed them had given them a sign, saying: 'He is the one I kiss, take hold of him... Then he immediately came to Jesus and said: “Hello, Rabbi! and he kissed him" (Matt. 26). . 48-49). Once Jesus arrives middle of paper, although Wright does not say so directly, it may even suggest that the victim Judas encounters could be Jesus about to be crucified. Judas temporarily forgets his intention to commit suicide and runs towards the victim, ignoring the soldiers. Then he remembers the Last Supper and the meal he ate with Jesus and the other apostles (. “Of the bread that my flesh had eaten” (12)), and of his betrayal of Jesus with a kiss (“the kiss that ate my flesh” (13)). holds] for his arms are nothing"(14). In this line, Wright compares Judas' payment for betraying Jesus to the fact that he now offers comfort for nothing. Works Cited1. The Holy Bible, New King James Version . Thomas Nelson, Inc. 1983.2. Wright, James. Approaching Poetry, Perspectives and Responses. Boston: Bedford/St. that of Martin, 1997. 70.