'Lepracaun or Fairy Shoemaker, The' by William Allingham

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Little Cowboy, what have you heard,
Up on the lonely rath's green mound?
Only the plaintive yellow bird
Sighing in sultry fields around,
Chary, chary, chary, chee-ee! -
Only the grasshopper and the bee? -
"Tip-tap, rip-rap,
Tick-a-tack-too!
Scarlet leather, sewn together,
This will make a shoe.
Left, right, pull it tight;
Summer days are warm;
Underground in winter,
Laughing at the storm!"
Lay your ear close to the hill.
Do you not catch th etiny clamour,
Busy click of an elfin hammer.
Voice of the Lepracaun singing shrill
As he merrily plies his trade?
He's a span
And a quarter in height,
Get him in sight, hold him tight,
And you're a made
Man!

You watch your cattle the summerday,
Sup on potatoes, sleep in the hay;
how would you like to roll in your carriage,
Look for a duchess's daughter in marriage?
Seize the shoemaker - then you may!
"Big boots a -hunting,
Sandals in the hall,
White for a wedding feast,
Pink for a ball.
This way, that way,
So we makea shoe;
Getting rich every stitch,
Tick-a-tack too!"
Nine and ninety treasure crocks
This keen miser fairy hath,
Hid in the mountains, woods and rocks,
Ruin and round-tow'r, cave and rath,
And where cormorants build;
From times of old
Guarded by him;
Each of them fill'd
Full to the brim
With gold!

I caught him at work one day, myself,
In the castle ditch where fox-glove grows, -
A wrinkled, wizen'd and bearded Elf,
Spectacles stuck on his pointed nose,
Silver buckles to his hose,
Leather apron - shoe in his lap -
'Rip-rap, tip-tap,
Tick-tack-too!
(A grasshopper on my cap!
Away the moth flew!)
Buskins for a fairy prince,
Brogues for his son -
Pay me well, pay me well,
When the job is done!"
The rogue was mine, beyond a doubt.
I stared at him, he stared at me;
"Servant Sir!" "Humph" says he,
And pull'd a snuff-box out.
He took a long pinch, look'd better pleased,
The queer little Lepracaun;
Offer'd the box with a whimsical grace, -
Pouf! He flung the dust in my face,
And while I sneezed,
Was gone!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker by William Allingham

Are you ever fascinated by the mystical world of fairies and leprechauns? If yes, then you must have come across the poem "The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker" by William Allingham. This classic poem paints a picture of the mysterious world of fairies and their shoemaking habits. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, tone, structure, and language.

Theme

The poem's central theme revolves around the mysterious and magical world of fairies, and their craftsmanship. The poem describes the process of shoemaking by the fairies, highlighting the intricate details involved in the process. The poet describes the tiny tools used by the fairies and their attention to detail, which is what makes their shoes so special. The theme of craftsmanship is further emphasized when the poet describes the shoes made by the fairies as "tiny, and neat, and gay."

In addition to the theme of craftsmanship, the poem also explores the idea of secrecy. The fairies work in secret and do not like to be disturbed, as they are afraid of being discovered by humans. This theme is seen when the poet describes how the fairies flee when they hear the humming of the human's mill. The poem also highlights the idea of greed, as seen when the human tries to catch the fairy shoemaker in order to gain access to his treasure.

Tone

The tone of the poem is light-hearted and whimsical. The poet creates a playful atmosphere with his use of language, which is appropriate for a poem about fairies. The tone of the poem is also slightly mischievous, as seen when the poet describes the fairy shoemaker trying to evade capture by the human. The playful and mischievous tone of the poem is what makes it a joy to read, and adds to its mystical and magical charm.

Structure

The poem is written in rhyming quatrains, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. The consistent rhyme scheme adds to the poem's playful tone and makes it easy to read. The poet also uses enjambment, which helps to create a sense of flow and continuity throughout the poem.

The poem's structure is also characterized by the use of vivid imagery. The poet uses descriptive language to paint a vivid picture of the fairy shoemaker's workshop, which is filled with "tools laid orderly, and a chest of fairy money." The use of vivid imagery helps to bring the poem to life and adds to its magical charm.

Language

The poet's use of language is one of the poem's most striking features. The language used is simple yet elegant, and the poet makes excellent use of metaphors and similes to describe the fairy shoemaker's tools and the shoes he makes. For example, the poet describes the fairy shoemaker's tools as "wondrous small" and his shoes as "tiny, and neat, and gay."

The language used in the poem is also musical, with a gentle rhythm that adds to the poem's playful tone. The use of alliteration and repetition also adds to the poem's musicality, as seen in the line "His eye was dim, and his sight was crost, but he guessed his way, and he knew his post."

The poem's language is also characterized by its use of archaic vocabulary, such as "o'er" and "ne'er," which adds to its charm and makes it feel like a classic fairy tale.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Leprechaun or Fairy Shoemaker" by William Allingham is a delightful poem that captures the magic and whimsy of the world of fairies. The poem's themes of craftsmanship, secrecy, and greed, its playful tone, its structured form, and its musical language all work together to create a truly enchanting poem. Whether you are a lover of fairy tales or simply appreciate the beauty of language, this poem is sure to delight and enchant you.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Lepracaun or Fairy Shoemaker, written by William Allingham, is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This whimsical and enchanting piece of literature tells the story of a mischievous leprechaun who spends his days crafting shoes for the fairies and singing songs of love and magic.

At its core, The Poetry Lepracaun or Fairy Shoemaker is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Allingham's vivid descriptions of the leprechaun's workshop, with its shelves of glittering gold and silver, and the delicate fairy shoes he creates, transport the reader to a magical realm where anything is possible.

The poem is also a testament to the power of creativity and imagination. The leprechaun is a master craftsman, pouring his heart and soul into every shoe he makes. His songs are full of passion and longing, and his love for the fairy queen is palpable. Allingham's use of language is masterful, painting a picture of a world where the impossible becomes possible and the mundane is transformed into something extraordinary.

One of the most striking aspects of The Poetry Lepracaun or Fairy Shoemaker is its use of rhyme and meter. Allingham's use of a strict rhyme scheme and consistent meter gives the poem a musical quality that is both charming and captivating. The poem's rhythm is reminiscent of a traditional Irish folk song, with its lilting melody and playful lyrics.

The leprechaun himself is a fascinating character, full of contradictions and complexities. On the one hand, he is mischievous and impish, playing pranks on the other fairies and teasing the human narrator. On the other hand, he is a deeply emotional and sensitive creature, pouring his heart into his work and his songs. Allingham's portrayal of the leprechaun is both humorous and poignant, capturing the essence of this mythical creature in all its complexity.

At its heart, The Poetry Lepracaun or Fairy Shoemaker is a celebration of the power of storytelling. The leprechaun's songs and stories are a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend, and the importance of passing down these tales from generation to generation. Allingham's poem is a reminder that even in our modern, technological world, there is still magic to be found in the stories we tell and the legends we create.

In conclusion, The Poetry Lepracaun or Fairy Shoemaker is a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers of all ages. Its whimsical and enchanting tone, masterful use of language, and celebration of the natural world and the power of creativity and imagination make it a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and folklore. Allingham's poem is a testament to the enduring power of myth and legend, and a reminder that even in our modern world, there is still magic to be found in the stories we tell.

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