Besides the deep meaning behind the age old text of Ecclesiastes are some very powerful literary devices used to get the meaning across. Repetition, repetition, repetition. Repetition is the number one literary device used throughout Ecclesiastes. The sayings "like chasing the wind" or "it's all meaningless" appear countless times, usually at the end of each chapter or at the end of a subchapter. This heavy use of repetition solidifies the meaning behind in Ecclesiastes in the reader's mind; you are not left wondering what the theme of the text is.
Not only does Ecclesiastes utilize powerful repetition, it wields a powerful message, "What is the meaning of everything?". While reading Ecclesiastes, I was able to connect with numerous situations described. One theme that is extremely relevant is the quote, "Yet they will control everything I have gained by my skill and hard work under the sun.". This quote is relevant to my life as my career on DHS Student Government is dwindling down. This paragraph from Ecclesiastes has made me think how will the future generations carry on the new/old events that I have implemented/reinvented, the traditions, and the overall awesomeness of the senior grade? How will all our hard work pan out once we graduate in May? Is it really all meaningless? Is all the planning and stress really worth it if future grades will just ruin it? I really hope not!
Another topic in Ecclesiastes that really forced me to think were the quotes, "Everything is wearisome beyond description." and "nothing is ever truly new". These really emphasize the mood put forth in Ecclesiastes: it is all meaningless and nothing is ever truly new. Even when you have a grand idea that could maybe change the world, it is never original. This pessimistic view of the world really caused me think about all of the things I have accomplished, whether it be in academics, BPA, Student Government, soccer, etc. It made me think about all of the people that have done the same thing, got the same grade, or won the same award. It made me realize that no matter how awesome I think I am or how spectacular the things I have accomplished are, there is someone else that has done the same things. Depressing right? Is it all just pointless? What is the meaning? Ecclesiastes forces you to think.
"For the wise and foolish both die. The wise will not be remembered any longer than the fool. In the days to come, both will forgotten.". This specific passage from Ecclesiastes reminded me of the time I went to Rome with my family. While in Rome, we visited a monastery where all of the decorations were bones of dead monks. Everywhere you looked, there were bones. Chandeliers, frames, fireplaces, everything was made of those who had passed. Despite the creepiness and initial disgust, there was a lesson behind the bones: no matter who you are, what you have done, how many cars you have or don't have, everyone will end up as a pile of bones. Even Oprah will end up the same as a homeless man. This connection to a previous experience really brought to life this passage in Ecclesiastes and made it that much more relatable.
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