Editing Cleanness (section)

==Narrative==
The opening lines of the poem (ll. 1–50) function as a [[peroration]] in which the narrator states his theme by contrasting cleanness and purity with filth.  He also points out that God hates filth and banishes those who are not properly dressed.

A paraphrase of the [[Parable of the Great Banquet]] follows in lines 51–171.  This [[exemplum]], explained by lines 171–192,  follows directly from the previous sartorial [[metaphor]] and serves to show why the hearers should give attention to cleanness.  Following this, lines 193–556 expound on God's forgiveness and wrath, using the Fall of the Angels,  the Fall of Adam and Eve (Gen 3), and the story of Noah (Gen 6: 5–32, 7, 8) (the first major [[exemplum]] of the poem) to demonstrate these divine attributes.

A transition (ll. 557–599), including a comment on how God reacts to sin (esp. lechery), follows.

In a second exemplum, the poet retells the stories of [[Abraham]] and [[Lot (biblical person)|Lot]] (Gen. 18:1–19, 28) (ll. 600 - 1048), including a description of the [[Dead Sea]] as the poet understood it.

In another transition (ll. 1050–1148), the narrator explains the symbolism of the second exemplum, ending with a description of God as strongly vengeful.

The third, and by far the longest, [[exemplum]] (ll. 1149–1796) recounts the conquest of [[Jerusalem]] by [[Nebuchadnezzar]] and the transfer of the Temple treasures to [[Babylon]] where they were treated with reverence by the king.  But after Nebuchadnezzar died, Belshazzar, a man given to the indulgence of his lusts, succeeded him.  During an enormous drunken feast, he ordered that the Temple vessels be brought in and that everyone be served in them.  God then determines to punish him. A huge hand appears, writes a message on the wall, and vanishes. No one can interpret this message.  At the Queen's suggestion, [[Daniel (biblical figure)|Daniel]] is called, and he interprets the three words and predicts Belshazzar's downfall.

In his conclusion (ll. 1797–1812), the narrator summarizes by arguing that uncleanness angers God, and cleanness comforts Him.