The Grace of Amazing Grace

The Grace of Amazing Grace

Bonnie Kelly

ENG 125: Introduction to Literature

Instructor: Alex Vuilleumier

May 22, 2011

The Grace of Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace so sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see (cited in Clugston, 2010, section 9.3). Since John Newton wrote Amazing Grace in 1748, it is internationally known as a hymn of faith. This poem/hymn is recited and sung by numerous artists in various ways and is played on bagpipes at funerals for fallen police officers and firemen; and has been sung during many historical events, such as the many marches for Civil Rights led by the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Another element is this poem, is the symbolism that is displayed throughout this poem/hymn. I will reflect on some of the elements of this song from Newton's standpoint and why Amazing Grace can illicit some of the emotions it does in my own personal experience.

Whether Amazing Grace is recited as a poem or sung as a hymn, one element that stands out is the diction. Clugston defines diction as "the use of words in written and oral expressions. They convey its ideas, feelings, tone, sounds, and rhythms" (2010). Not everyone's dictation is the same. It is basically what a person is feeling at the time that sets the tone for whatever is being recited or sung. If a person is feeling down and depressed, the song may be sung without much joy, or that person may use the words to lift his or her sorrowful spirits, as in any song. On the other hand, Amazing Grace may be sung with such exhilaration, that one cannot help by want to join. Clugston said, "the solemn intonations can swell and culminate in religious expressions" (2010). The person's interpretation of the song is another way the tone is conveyed to the listeners.

One insight that may be gained from Amazing Grace is how it affected its original writer, John Newton. This poem addresses a common human experience. Throughout his lifetime, Newton was a hated sinful man. Even though he had a Biblical upbringing by his mother, he totally turned his back on God. In doing a biography on Newton, David Braye made the comment that Newton was on a ship and had a life altering experience. It seems the ship was about to sink, and "Newton became convinced that God had addressed him through the storm and that God's grace had begun to work for him" (2007). Because of this life altering experience, Newton believed that it was God's amazing grace that saved the ship he was on from sinking. According to Braye, "the exuberance in Newton's testimony can be noted: 'Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me, I once was lost but now am found, was blind, but now I see' (cited by Clugston, 2010, section 9.3). So many believe that God's grace, His agape unconditional love saves them over and over. As Newton, believed, he was a wretch, for he alienated most of those he came in contact with. He chose the wretched path he was on. He thought himself lost, but believed that once God answered his prayers,