'The Sign-Post' by Edward Thomas
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The dim sea glints chill. The white sun is shy,
And the skeleton weeds and the never-dry,
Rough, long grasses keep white with frost
At the hill-top by the finger-post;
The smoke of the traveller's-joy is puffed
Over hawthorn berry and hazel tuft.
I read the sign. Which way shall I go?
A voice says: "You would not have doubted so
At twenty." Another voice gentle with scorn
Says: "At twenty you wished you had never been born."
One hazel lost a leaf of gold
From a tuft at the tip, when the first voice told
The other he wished to know what 'twould be
To be sixty by this same post. "You shall see,"
He laughed -and I had to join his laughter -
"You shall see; but either before or after,
Whatever happens, it must befall.
A mouthful of earth to remedy all
Regrets and wishes shall be freely given;
And if there be a flaw in that heaven
'Twill be freedom to wish, and your wish may be
To be here or anywhere talking to me,
No matter what the weather, on earth,
At any age between death and birth, -
To see what day or night can be,
The sun and the frost, tha land and the sea,
Summer, Winter, Autumn, Spring, -
With a poor man of any sort, down to a king,
Standing upright out in the air
Wondering where he shall journey, O where?"
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Sign-Post by Edward Thomas: A Literary Criticism
The Sign-Post, a poem by Edward Thomas, is a beautiful reflection of the human condition. It explores the theme of decision-making and the consequences of choices in life. Through the use of vivid imagery, Thomas conveys his message with great skill, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and the paths they have chosen.
The Poem's Structure
The Sign-Post is a four-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme follows an ABAB pattern, and the poem is written in iambic tetrameter. The structure is simple and straightforward, but it serves to highlight the poem's message. The poem tells a story, and the structure helps to create a sense of progression as the reader follows the character's journey.
The Poem's Imagery
One of the most striking features of The Sign-Post is the powerful imagery that Thomas employs throughout the poem. The opening stanza sets the scene with a vivid description of a crossroads:
The dim sea glints chill. The white sun is shy,
And the skeleton weeds and the never-dry,
Rough, long grasses keep white with frost
At the hill-top by the finger-post;
The description of the "dim sea" and the "white sun" create a sense of stillness and calm, while the mention of "skeleton weeds" and "rough, long grasses" conveys a sense of desolation and isolation. The finger-post is a powerful symbol that recurs throughout the poem, representing the choices that the character must make.
As the poem progresses, the imagery becomes more intense, as the character wrestles with his decision:
The smoke of her burning go up to God
In an April twilight, where the light is a rod,
Quietly tilting, its luminous have
In the purple glow on the western wave.
The image of smoke rising to the heavens creates a sense of finality, while the "purple glow" of the sunset suggests a sense of beauty and tranquility. The contrast between the two creates a tension that underscores the character's struggle.
The Poem's Themes
The Sign-Post explores several themes that are central to the human experience. One of the main themes is the idea of choice and the consequences of those choices. The character in the poem is faced with a decision that will change his life forever. He must choose between two paths, each with its own set of risks and rewards. The poem suggests that every choice we make has consequences, and we must be willing to accept those consequences.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of regret. The character in the poem is haunted by the choices he has made in the past, and he wonders what might have been if he had made different choices. This sense of regret is something that many people can relate to, as we all have moments in our lives when we wish we had done things differently.
The Poem's Language
One of the most impressive things about The Sign-Post is the language that Thomas employs. The words he chooses are simple and direct, but they have a powerful impact. The poem is full of vivid imagery and metaphors that help to create a sense of the character's emotional state. The language is also musical, with a rhythm and flow that make it a pleasure to read aloud.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Sign-Post is a beautiful poem that explores the human condition with great skill and sensitivity. Through the use of powerful imagery and language, Thomas creates a sense of tension and emotion that draws the reader in. The themes of choice and regret are universal, and the poem has a timeless quality that makes it relevant to readers of all ages. If you have not yet read this poem, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a masterpiece of English literature, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Sign-Post: A Poem of Reflection and Contemplation
Edward Thomas’ poem, The Sign-Post, is a masterpiece of introspection and contemplation. The poem is a reflection on the journey of life and the choices we make along the way. It is a poignant reminder that life is a journey, and we must make choices that will determine our destination.
The poem begins with the speaker encountering a sign-post in the middle of a crossroads. The sign-post is a symbol of the choices we make in life. It represents the different paths we can take and the decisions we must make. The speaker is faced with a choice, and he must decide which path to take.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene and establishes the mood. The speaker is alone in the middle of a crossroads, and he is unsure of which path to take. He is lost and confused, and he is searching for direction. The sign-post is a beacon of hope, a guide that will help him find his way.
The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the choices we make in life. The speaker realizes that every choice we make has consequences. Every decision we make will determine our destination. The speaker is aware that he cannot go back and change the choices he has made. He must accept the consequences of his actions and move forward.
The third stanza of the poem is a meditation on the nature of life. The speaker realizes that life is a journey, and we are all travelers on this journey. We are all searching for something, and we must make choices that will lead us to our destination. The speaker is aware that life is full of uncertainties, and we must be prepared for the unexpected.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passage of time. The speaker realizes that time is fleeting, and we must make the most of every moment. He is aware that life is short, and we must make the most of the time we have. The sign-post is a reminder that time is precious, and we must use it wisely.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a contemplation on the meaning of life. The speaker realizes that life is a mystery, and we may never fully understand it. He is aware that there are no easy answers, and we must find our own way. The sign-post is a symbol of the journey of life, and we must make the most of every moment.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of choice. The speaker realizes that every choice we make has the power to change our lives. He is aware that we must take responsibility for our choices and accept the consequences of our actions. The sign-post is a reminder that we must choose wisely, for our choices will determine our destination.
In conclusion, The Sign-Post is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience. It is a reminder that life is a journey, and we must make choices that will determine our destination. The poem is a meditation on the nature of life, the passage of time, and the power of choice. It is a poignant reminder that we must make the most of every moment and choose wisely, for our choices will determine our destiny.
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