3 Review(s)

Saint Abe and His Seven Wives is a satirical take on the life of a fictional Mormon leader named Saint Abe, who practices polygamy and has seven wives. The poem is set in the context of the American West during the 19th century, a time when the practice of polygamy was associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), commonly known as the Mormons.The narrative humorously and critically examines the dynamics within Saint Abe’s household, the relationships between the wives, and the broader implications of polygamy as a social practice. Buchanan uses wit and irony to explore the moral and ethical questions surrounding polygamy, highlighting the absurdities and challenges of maintaining such a lifestyle.While the poem is comedic in tone, it also serves as a vehicle for Buchanan’s broader commentary on religion, society, and human nature. The depiction of Saint Abe and his wives is exaggerated and caricatured, but it is also reflective of the debates and controversies surrounding polygamy in the 19th century.