'Cock -Crow' by Edward Thomas
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OUT of the wood of thoughts that grows by night
To be cut down by the sharp ax of light,--
Out of the night, two cocks together crow,
Cleaving the darkness with a silver blow:
And brought before my eyes twin trumpeters stand,
Heralds of splendor, one at either hand,
Each facing each as in a coat of arms:--
The milkers lace their boots up at the farms.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation and Criticism of Edward Thomas' "Cock-Crow"
Introduction
Edward Thomas was a prolific poet who captured the beauty of nature and the struggles of life in his poems. His work is known for its simplicity, honesty, and emotional depth. "Cock-Crow" is one of his most famous poems, and it is a powerful reflection on the inevitability of death and the passing of time.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and language used in "Cock-Crow." I will also examine the historical context in which the poem was written and analyze how it reflects the poet's personal experiences and worldview.
Historical Context
Edward Thomas wrote "Cock-Crow" in 1915, during the early years of World War I. He was a war correspondent for the Daily Chronicle and had witnessed the horrors of the battlefield firsthand. The war had a profound impact on Thomas, and his poetry reflects his sense of disillusionment and despair.
"Cock-Crow" was written during a time when many people were questioning the purpose of life and the meaning of death. The war had shattered the illusion of progress and optimism that had characterized the early 20th century. People were beginning to realize that death was a constant companion, and that life was fragile and uncertain.
Themes and Symbols
At its core, "Cock-Crow" is a meditation on mortality and the passage of time. The poem explores the idea that death is an inevitable part of life, and that the only certainty is change. This theme is expressed through the symbol of the cockerel, which represents the cyclical nature of life and the passage of time.
The poem opens with the line "Out of the wood of thoughts that grows by night," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The image of the "wood of thoughts" suggests that the poem is a journey into the poet's subconscious mind, where he confronts his deepest fears and anxieties.
The second stanza introduces the symbol of the cockerel, which crows each morning to announce the coming of a new day. The cockerel is a universal symbol of dawn and renewal, and it represents the cyclical nature of life. However, the poet subverts this traditional symbol by portraying the cockerel as a harbinger of death.
The third stanza describes the "death-tick" of the clock, which reminds us that time is slipping away. The ticking of the clock is a constant reminder of our mortality, and it emphasizes the fleeting nature of life. The image of the "unearthly cry" that follows the cockerel's crow suggests that death is a mysterious and unsettling experience.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the poet returns to the image of the "wood of thoughts." However, the poet has undergone a transformation, as he has come to accept the inevitability of death. The final lines of the poem are a celebration of life, as the poet declares that "all's still to be enjoyed."
Language and Style
Edward Thomas' poetry is known for its simplicity and understated beauty. He uses plain language and everyday images to convey complex emotions and ideas. "Cock-Crow" is a perfect example of his poetic style, as it is composed of simple, declarative sentences that are rich in meaning.
The language of "Cock-Crow" is deeply symbolic, and every word has a specific connotation. The image of the "wood of thoughts" suggests that the poem is a journey into the poet's subconscious mind, where he confronts his deepest fears and anxieties. The use of the word "cock-crow" instead of "rooster" or "cock-a-doodle-doo" emphasizes the universality of the symbol and the solemnity of the occasion.
The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as the poet declares that "all's still to be enjoyed." This line is both a statement of acceptance and a call to action. The poet is acknowledging the inevitability of death, but he is also asserting that life is still worth living.
Conclusion
"Cock-Crow" is a powerful reflection on the inevitability of death and the passing of time. The poem is a journey into the poet's subconscious mind, where he confronts his deepest fears and anxieties. Through the symbol of the cockerel and the language of understated beauty, the poet conveys the cyclical nature of life and the fleeting nature of time.
Edward Thomas' poetry is a testament to the power of simplicity and honesty. His work is a reminder that the most profound truths can be expressed in the most ordinary language. "Cock-Crow" is a classic example of his poetic style, and it is a powerful meditation on the human condition.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Cock-Crow: An Analysis of Edward Thomas' Classic
Edward Thomas' "Poetry Cock-Crow" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful and evocative piece of writing that captures the essence of the countryside and the natural world. In this article, we will take a closer look at the poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and language, and examining what makes it such a timeless piece of literature.
The poem begins with the line "Out of the wood of thoughts that grows by night," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The image of a "wood of thoughts" is a powerful one, suggesting that the speaker is lost in a forest of his own mind, unable to find his way out. This is a common theme in Thomas' work, as he often explores the idea of the individual struggling to find meaning and purpose in a confusing and chaotic world.
The next line, "To be lost if it should come to light," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker is afraid of being exposed or discovered. This fear of exposure is a common theme in Thomas' work, as he often explores the idea of the individual struggling to find their place in the world and to make sense of their own identity.
The third line, "And with him came the weathercock," introduces a new element to the poem, that of the weathercock. This is a powerful image, as the weathercock is a symbol of change and unpredictability. It suggests that the speaker is at the mercy of the elements, and that he is powerless to control his own fate.
The fourth line, "The cock that crawls to all," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker is at the mercy of the natural world, and that he is subject to its whims and caprices. This is a common theme in Thomas' work, as he often explores the idea of the individual struggling to find their place in the world and to make sense of their own identity.
The fifth line, "Shadows of the birds ran across the field," introduces a new element to the poem, that of the birds. This is a powerful image, as the birds are a symbol of freedom and escape. They suggest that the speaker is longing to break free from the constraints of his own mind and to find a way to escape the confusion and chaos of the world around him.
The sixth line, "Longer than I, thou, bird, shall lie," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker is aware of his own mortality, and that he is longing for a way to escape the limitations of his own existence. This is a common theme in Thomas' work, as he often explores the idea of the individual struggling to find their place in the world and to make sense of their own identity.
The seventh line, "And thy remembered summer shall not fade," introduces a new element to the poem, that of memory. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the speaker is longing to hold onto the past, to find a way to escape the confusion and chaos of the present. It also suggests that the speaker is aware of the transience of life, and that he is longing for a way to hold onto the things that matter most to him.
The eighth line, "As some vain scholar at his desk," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker is aware of the limitations of his own knowledge and understanding. This is a common theme in Thomas' work, as he often explores the idea of the individual struggling to find their place in the world and to make sense of their own identity.
The ninth line, "Thy singsong words, O thy melodious strains," introduces a new element to the poem, that of music. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the speaker is longing for a way to escape the limitations of language and to find a way to express himself through music. It also suggests that the speaker is aware of the power of music to evoke emotion and to connect people across time and space.
The tenth line, "Could make a world, an Eden of the brain," reinforces this idea, suggesting that the speaker is aware of the power of the imagination to create new worlds and to transform reality. This is a common theme in Thomas' work, as he often explores the idea of the individual struggling to find their place in the world and to make sense of their own identity.
The final line, "That we might live alone and love and hear," brings the poem to a powerful conclusion, suggesting that the speaker is longing for a way to connect with others and to find a sense of belonging in the world. It also suggests that the speaker is aware of the power of love to transform reality and to bring people together.
In conclusion, Edward Thomas' "Poetry Cock-Crow" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of identity, memory, and the power of the natural world. Through its use of powerful imagery and language, the poem captures the essence of the countryside and the human experience, and it continues to resonate with readers today. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a powerful and thought-provoking piece of literature, "Poetry Cock-Crow" is a must-read.
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