'To A Fallen Elm' by John Clare
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1832Old Elm that murmured in our chimney top
The sweetest anthem autumn ever made
And into mellow whispering calms would drop
When showers fell on thy many coloured shade
And when dark tempests mimic thunder made
While darkness came as it would strangle light
With the black tempest of a winter night
That rocked thee like a cradle to thy root
How did I love to hear the winds upbraid
Thy strength without while all within was mute
It seasoned comfort to our hearts desire
We felt thy kind protection like a friend
And pitched our chairs up closer to the fire
Enjoying comforts that was was never pennedOld favourite tree thoust seen times changes lower
But change till now did never come to thee
For time beheld thee as his sacred dower
And nature claimed thee her domestic tree
Storms came and shook thee with aliving power
Yet stedfast to thy home thy roots hath been
Summers of thirst parched round thy homely bower
Till earth grew iron-still thy leaves was green
The children sought thee in thy summer shade
And made their play house rings of sticks and stone
The mavis sang and felt himself alone
While in they leaves his early nest was made
And I did feel his happiness mine own
Nought heeding that our friendship was betrayedFriend not inanimate-tho stocks and stones
There are and many cloathed in flesh and bones
Thou ownd a lnaguage by which hearts are stirred
Deeper than by the attribute of words
Thine spoke a feeling known in every tongue
Language of pity and the force of wrong
What cant assumes what hypocrites may dare
Speaks home to truth and shows it what they areI see a picture that thy fate displays
And learn a lesson from thy destiny
Self interest saw thee stand in freedoms ways
So thy old shadow must a tyrant be
Thoust heard the knave abusing those in power
Bawl freedom loud and then oppress the free
Thoust sheltered hypocrites in many an hour
That when in power would never shelter thee
Thoust heard the knave supply his canting powers
With wrongs illusions when he wanted friends
That bawled for shelter when he lived in showers
And when clouds vanished made thy shade ammends
With axe at root he felled thee to the ground
And barked of freedom-O I hate that soundIt grows the cant terms of enslaving tools
To wrong another by the name of right
It grows a liscence with oer bearing fools
To cheat plain honesty by force of might
Thus came enclosure-ruin was her guide
But freedoms clapping hands enjoyed the sight
Tho comforts cottage soon was thrust aside
And workhouse prisons raised upon the scite
Een natures dwelling far away from men
The common heath became the spoilers prey
The rabbit had not where to make his den
And labours only cow was drove away
No matter-wrong was right and right was wrong
And freedoms brawl was sanction to the songSuch was thy ruin music making Elm
The rights of freedom was to injure thine
As thou wert served so would they overwhelm
In freedoms name the little so would they over whelm
And these are knaves that brawl for better laws
And cant of tyranny in stronger powers
Who glut their vile unsatiated maws
And freedoms birthright from the weak devours
Editor 1 Interpretation
To a Fallen Elm: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
John Clare's poem "To a Fallen Elm" is a beautiful and evocative tribute to a tree that has long since died. In this 30-line poem, Clare takes us on a journey through time and memory, painting a vivid picture of the elm's life and death, and reflecting on the passage of time and the inevitability of mortality.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, imagery and language used by Clare in "To a Fallen Elm", and examine the poem's place in the canon of English poetry.
Summary of the Poem
"To a Fallen Elm" is a poem about a tree that has fallen and died, and the speaker's reflections on its life and death. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the elm's existence.
In the first stanza, Clare describes the elm's physical appearance, giving us a sense of its size and majesty. He describes the tree as having "towered tall", and as being "the monarch of the wood". He also notes that the elm had once been a place of shelter for birds and animals, and that its branches had provided shade for those who sought respite from the sun.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the elm's death, and the speaker's reflections on its passing. Clare notes that the elm's death was sudden, and that it was not given the opportunity to "wither slowly down". He also reflects on the irony of the tree's death, noting that it had "braved a thousand storms", only to be felled by a "ploughboy's curse".
In the final stanza, Clare reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of mortality. He notes that the elm's death is a reminder that all things must come to an end, and that even the mightiest of trees will one day fall. He concludes the poem by imagining the elm's new life as a part of the earth, and by suggesting that its death has given it a new kind of life.
Themes
At its core, "To a Fallen Elm" is a meditation on mortality and the passing of time. The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of life, and on the inevitability of death. Through its exploration of these themes, the poem invites us to reflect on our own mortality, and to consider the ways in which our own lives are shaped by the passage of time.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of transformation. Clare suggests that the elm's death has transformed it, giving it a new kind of life as part of the earth. This idea of transformation is also reflected in the poem's language and imagery, which often depict the elm as a living, breathing entity, rather than as an inanimate object.
Finally, "To a Fallen Elm" is a poem that celebrates the natural world, and invites us to take pleasure in the beauty and majesty of nature. Through its vivid descriptions of the elm and its surroundings, the poem invites us to appreciate the natural world, and to take joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Imagery and Language
One of the most striking features of "To a Fallen Elm" is its vivid imagery and evocative language. Throughout the poem, Clare uses language that is both simple and powerful, creating a sense of immediacy and intensity that draws the reader in.
One of the most striking examples of Clare's use of imagery is his description of the elm as "the monarch of the wood". This metaphorical description gives the elm a sense of power and majesty, while also suggesting its central importance to the natural world.
Another example of Clare's use of vivid imagery is his description of the elm's death. He notes that the tree was "hewn down in its strength", suggesting a sudden and violent end. He also notes that the elm had "braved a thousand storms", emphasizing the tree's resilience and strength.
Finally, Clare's use of language and imagery in the final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. He suggests that the elm's death has transformed it into a new form of life, becoming "a portion of the dust". This metaphorical description emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death, and suggests that even in death, the elm continues to contribute to the natural world.
Significance in English Literature
"To a Fallen Elm" is a significant work in the canon of English poetry, and is widely regarded as one of John Clare's most accomplished poems. Its themes of mortality, transformation, and the natural world are universal, and have resonated with readers for generations.
The poem's imagery and language are also notable for their simplicity and power. Clare's use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of immediacy and intensity, drawing the reader in and inviting them to reflect on the poem's themes.
Finally, "To a Fallen Elm" is significant for its role in the development of Romantic poetry. The poem's celebration of the natural world, and its emphasis on the beauty and majesty of nature, are hallmark features of the Romantic movement, and have influenced generations of poets and readers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "To a Fallen Elm" is a beautiful and evocative poem that explores themes of mortality, transformation, and the natural world. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem invites us to reflect on our own lives, and on the ways in which our existence is shaped by the passage of time.
As a significant work in the canon of English poetry, "To a Fallen Elm" continues to resonate with readers today, and its themes and ideas remain as relevant and important as ever. Whether we are reflecting on our own mortality, celebrating the beauty of the natural world, or simply enjoying the simple pleasures of life, this poem offers us a timeless and enduring source of inspiration and reflection.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To A Fallen Elm: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry
John Clare, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era, is known for his love of nature and his ability to capture its beauty in his poetry. His poem "Poetry To A Fallen Elm" is a masterpiece of nature poetry that celebrates the beauty and majesty of a fallen elm tree. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the fallen elm tree, which is portrayed as a majestic and beautiful creature:
"Old Elm that murmured in our chimney top The sweetest anthem autumn ever made And into mellow whispering calms would drop When showers fell on thy many coloured shade"
The use of personification here is striking, as the elm tree is given human-like qualities, such as the ability to sing and whisper. The imagery of the "many coloured shade" is also powerful, as it suggests the rich and varied hues of the tree's leaves.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of the tree's beauty, but also introduces a note of sadness and loss:
"Where were thy arms when last the north wind spread His white wings on the sky, and snowflakes came? Oh! I shall often lift the latch at eve And listen to thy still music in the air"
The image of the north wind spreading its "white wings" and the snowflakes falling is a powerful one, evoking the harshness of winter and the vulnerability of the tree. The poet's longing to hear the tree's "still music" again is poignant, as it suggests a sense of loss and nostalgia.
The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the poet himself, and his relationship with the tree:
"Old friend! I shall miss thee when thy form is gone, The wide-spreading branches, and the green leaves gone, And visit the pale urn where thou slept'st low, And muse in silence on the scenes of joy"
Here, the poet speaks directly to the tree, addressing it as an "old friend" and expressing his sadness at its impending demise. The image of the "pale urn" suggests a sense of reverence and respect for the tree, as if it were a beloved family member who had passed away.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of beauty and loss together, and ends on a note of hope:
"When others shall fill thy place, and pass From summer joys to winter's dreariment, Thy beauty shall live on their lips, and in Their hearts the memory of thy greatness be"
Here, the poet acknowledges that the tree will eventually be replaced by others, but suggests that its beauty and greatness will live on in the memories of those who have experienced it. The use of the word "greatness" is particularly striking, as it suggests that the tree's beauty is not just superficial, but has a deeper significance that transcends its physical form.
Overall, "Poetry To A Fallen Elm" is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty and majesty of nature, while also acknowledging the sadness and loss that comes with the passing of time. Through its vivid imagery, personification, and use of language, the poem captures the essence of the Romantic era, and reminds us of the enduring power of nature to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
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