21 pages • 42-minute read
George HerbertA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Meet the key characters, with insights into their roles, motivations, and relationships—spoiler-free.
The speaker is a devout Christian believer who adopts a humble, reflective tone throughout his prayer. He acknowledges his own "fallen" and shrunken state, experiencing sorrow, sickness, and spiritual struggle as a result of both inherent and personal sin. Despite his afflictions, he earnestly desires spiritual redemption and hopes to share in the joy of the resurrection.
Worshipper of God
Follower of Jesus Christ
Spiritual Descendant of Adam
God is the omnipotent creator of the universe and humankind. He initially provides a perfect, wealthy existence for humanity in the Garden of Eden but enforces strict consequences after early humans disobey his instructions. Despite punishing sin with physical and spiritual affliction, he sets in motion a plan for humanity's ultimate salvation.
Creator and Judge of The Speaker
Father of Jesus Christ
Creator of Adam
Creator of Eve
Jesus Christ is the divine son of God who takes on human form and is crucified. His resurrection from the dead, celebrated at Easter, represents a triumph over sin and mortality. He provides the perfect spiritual "wing" that allows fallen humans to soar above their earthly afflictions.
Son of God
Savior of The Speaker
Adam is the first man created by God and placed in the Garden of Eden. He foolishly disobeys God's direct instruction by eating fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, an act that leads to his expulsion from paradise and curses all future generations with original sin.
Creation of God
Partner of Eve
Ancestor of The Speaker
Eve is the first woman in the Garden of Eden. Tempted by a serpent, she eats the forbidden fruit and gives some to Adam, directly precipitating the loss of humanity's original bliss and the introduction of sin into the world.
Creation of God
Partner of Adam