Abstract

The exegesis tradition of the Song of Songs usually defines the bride and bridegroom of this poem as the church and Christ. So their marriage refers to the mystical union between the individual soul and the Word of God. Richard Crashaw’s famous Baroque poem “The Flaming Heart” illustrates the expectation and desire that Saint Teresa of Avila has towards her divine spouse. It also describes the raptures that the saint experiences after she has mystical union with God. To Crashaw, St. Teresa’s love to God is very similar to the love between the bride and bridegroom in the Song of Songs. By showing her ardent love, our love towards God has been kindled.

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