Hedonism and Wine

Where it surfaces

• Omar Khayyám, the Astronomer-Poet of Persia

  Omar celebrates literal wine and sensual pleasure as a serious purpose of life, in defiance of spiritual interpretations.

• II

  The tavern setting and the call to enter imply a carpe diem embrace of wine and pleasure over religious ritual.

• V

  The 'Ruby kindles in the Vine' suggests wine as a vibrant, enduring source of joy amid decay.

• VI

  The nightingale's cry for 'Wine! Wine! Wine! Red Wine!' embodies the hedonistic call to embrace pleasure and intoxication.

• XII

  The central focus on a 'Jug of Wine' and the simple pleasures of the senses as the key to a perfect existence.

• The Forbidden Wine

  Wine is presented as a means to forget the insolence of life, embodying a hedonistic response to existential uncertainty.

• XXXVI

  The vessel is associated with drinking, evoking the pleasures of wine and the celebration of life.

• XXXIX

  Wine is portrayed as a substance that, even when wasted, may secretly alleviate hidden anguish.

• XL

  The imagery of heavenly vintage and drinking reflects hedonistic enjoyment of wine.

• XLI

  The imagery of the Cypress-slender Minister of Wine directly invokes the hedonistic pursuit of wine and love.

• LIV

  The 'fruitful Grape' symbolizes wine as a source of joy and a remedy against vain pursuits.

• LV

  The speaker embraces wine as a spouse, rejecting barren Reason in favor of sensual pleasure.

• LVI

  Wine is presented as the sole deep subject worth exploring, contrasting with abstract logic and philosophy.

• LVIII

  The grape offered by the angel represents the intoxicating and revelatory power of wine.

• LIX

  The grape is elevated as a sovereign alchemist, symbolizing wine's power to transcend logic and transform life.

• LXI

  The stanza defends the use of wine as a divine gift, challenging moral condemnation.

• LXXVI

  The Vine (wine) is described as a vital fiber clinging to the speaker's being, central to his identity.

• LXXXIX

  The 'old familiar Juice' (wine) is presented as a means of recovery and revival from oblivion.

• XCI

  Wine (the Grape) is invoked as a sustaining force even in the face of death.

• XCII

  Wine is portrayed as having a lasting, almost supernatural power that persists even after death, ensnaring the pious.

• XCIII

  The 'shallow Cup' and 'Song' symbolize the trade of lasting glory for momentary pleasure.

• XCV

  Wine is portrayed as a precious, almost sacred commodity, despite its reputation as an infidel.