es Felix’s sickness and death more painful for the speaker. He feels sad because such a powerful man has been destroyed by illness. He expresses his shock and sorrow in the very opening line:

“Felix Randal the farrier, O is he dead then?”

Sickness and Human Weakness: Felix Randal’s sickness is long and painful. The speaker says,

“Sickness broke him. Impatient, he cursed at first, but mended…”

At first, Felix becomes impatient and angry. He even curses his suffering. This shows human weakness. But later, he becomes calm and accepts his condition. This change is important in a religious poem. Felix slowly moves from anger to patience. Through sickness, he becomes closer to God. This idea of suffering leading to spiritual growth is deeply religious.

The Priest’s Religious Duty: The speaker is a priest, and he visits Felix as part of his duty. He gives Felix the last rites and comforts him. He brings “reprieve and ransom,” which means spiritual relief and salvation. This shows the religious role of the priest. He is not only doing his duty but also caring deeply for Felix’s soul. Religion here is shown as comfort during pain and death.

Growth of Love and Sympathy: As the priest watches Felix suffer, a deep emotional bond grows between them. The priest says,

“This seeing the sick endears them to us.”

This means caring for the sick creates love. The priest comforts Felix with words and touch. Felix’s tears touch the priest’s heart. He even calls him “child.” It shows deep affection. Felix’s death affects the priest strongly. Religion here is not cold or distant. It is full of human love, pity, and kindness.

Faith in God and Acceptance of Death: Although the priest is sad, he accepts Felix’s death as God’s will. He says, 

“Ah well, God rest him all road ever he offended!”

This shows religious faith. The priest believes that Felix is now at peace. Death is not the end but a rest given by God. The poem teaches that through faith, death becomes meaningful. The priest finds comfort in believing that Felix’s suffering has ended and his soul is safe with God.

To sum up, “Felix Randal” is a deeply religious poem because it shows faith, duty, suffering, and love. Felix’s death has a strong effect on the speaker. It fills him with sadness but also with spiritual understanding. Through sickness and death, both Felix and the priest grow closer to God. The poem teaches that religion brings comfort, love, and hope even in the face of death.