Algernon Charles Swinburne's “Hymn to Proserpine” serves as a profound rejection of orthodox Christianity, expressing the poet's longing for the return of ancient deities. By setting the poem against the backdrop of Rome's conversion to Christianity, Swinburne crafts a narrative where a pagan voice vehemently opposes Christian dominance. The poem weaves a tale of a world caught between gods of old and new beliefs, capturing the essence of an era grappling with change.

The Pagan's Lament

The monologue begins with a pagan individual lamenting the rise of Christianity, calling upon Proserpine, the goddess of the underworld, for solace and support: “Goddess and maiden and queen, be near me now and befriend.” This plea is not just a cry for help but a testament to the enduring allure of pagan deities. Swinburne imagines these antique gods as beings of beauty and suffering, creating a complex interplay of emotions. He writes of Apollo, "with hair and harpstring of gold," as both "a bitter god to follow, a beautiful god to behold," highlighting the dual nature of these deities.

The Conflict of the Ages

Swinburne's protagonist is weary of the eternal conflict between time and the gods: “Time and the gods are at strife.” This sentiment mirrors the poet's own disillusionment with the Victorian era, a period marked by significant scientific advancements that often clashed with established religious doctrines. Through this Roman figure, Swinburne conveys a potent critique of Christianity while simultaneously affirming his own spiritual beliefs. The poem thus becomes a canvas on which Swinburne paints his vision of a world unchained from Christian dogma.

Christianity's Fleeting Victory

The poet adopts a defiant tone towards Christianity, asserting, "Thou hast conquered, O pale Galilean; the world has grown gray from thy breath." Here, Swinburne suggests that while Christianity has temporarily captured the hearts of many, it is laden with themes of mortality. The belief in resurrection is questioned as Swinburne argues that "no man under the sky lives twice, outliving his day." In a world where death is inevitable, he contends that Christ's promises will ultimately falter: "Yet thy kingdom shall pass, Galilean, thy dead shall go down to thee dead."

A Vision of Liberation

Swinburne foresees a future where humanity is emancipated from the confines of Christianity: “I kneel not, neither adore you, but standing, look to the end.” To illustrate this vision, he contrasts the past and present, resurrecting Proserpine as a parallel to Mary: “Of the maiden thy mother men sing as a goddess with grace clad around;/ Thou art throned where another was king; where another was queen she is crowned.”

The Allure of the Past

Proserpine's charm is rooted in her deep sensuality, described as "Clothed round with the world’s desire as with raiment." This sensuality starkly contrasts the spiritual promises of Christianity. Despite rejecting the notion of eternal life, Swinburne envisions a form of eternity with Proserpine, depicted as “In the night where thine eyes are as moons are in heaven.”

The Resolution of Paradox

While this seems to contradict his dismissal of life after death, the paradox is resolved through the recognition of death as a form of eternal rest. This sleep or oblivion offered by Proserpine is portrayed as a release from the perpetual turmoil of existence. Swinburne's vision is one of tranquillity, free from the relentless strife that he associates with the Christian promise of resurrection.

In "Hymn to Proserpine," Swinburne masterfully intertwines themes of rebellion, identity, and the passage of time. Through his protagonist, he challenges the religious norms of his time, offering a timeless reflection on the human condition and the eternal struggle between old beliefs and new ideologies. The narrative resonates with those who question the status quo, inviting readers to consider the beauty and agony inherent in the tension between the past and the future.