Chapter 26 "Prayer" Summary

"Prayer" is a poem discussing the conflicting needs of the soul, body and mind. The narrator places himself within a larger body of Spirits. Within this context, his soul is just one member. He has given too much of his body but not enough of his soul. He calls on the Spirits to help him.

Chapter 26 "Prayer" Analysis

"Prayer" is organized thematically around the conflict between spiritual needs and physical needs. He is pulled in one direction by the physical needs of his body and in another direction by the spiritual needs of his soul. He discusses his inability to define clearly and consistently what type of nourishment his soul requires. His body's physical needs, in comparison, are more direct and more easily satisfied.

The use of the contradictory statements adds to the complexity of the narrator's self-assessment. He...