'The British' by A.S.J. Tessimond
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We are a people living in shells and moving
Crablike; reticent, awkward, deeply suspicious;
Watching the world from a corner of half-closed eyelids,
Afraid lest someone show that he hates or loves us,
Afraid lest someone weep in the railway train.
We are coiled and clenched like a foetus clad in armour.
We hold our hearts for fear they fly like eagles.
We grasp our tongues for fear they cry like trumpets.
We listen to our own footsteps. We look both ways
Before we cross the silent empty road.
We are a people easily made uneasy,
Especially wary of praise, of passion, of scarlet
Cloaks, of gesturing hands, of the smiling stranger
In the alien hat who talks to all or the other
In the unfamiliar coat who talks to none.
We are afraid of too-cold thought or too-hot
Blood, of the opening of long-shut shafts or cupboards,
Of light in caves, of X-rays, probes, unclothing
Of emotion, intolerable revelation
Of lust in the light, of love in the palm of the hand.
We are afraid of, one day on a sunny morning,
Meeting ourselves or another without the usual
Outer sheath, the comfortable conversation,
And saying all, all, all we did not mean to,
All, all, all we did not know we meant.
Submitted by Stephen Fryer
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
As a literature enthusiast, I am thrilled to write a literary criticism and interpretation of one of the most thought-provoking poems I have ever encountered - The British. A.S.J. Tessimond, a renowned poet, composed this work of art, and it encompasses the struggles of the British people during World War II, while simultaneously highlighting the many qualities that make the British people unique. In this essay, I will analyze the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to provide a detailed interpretation of its meaning and significance.
Structure
The British is a sonnet consisting of fourteen lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. The structure is significant as it adheres to the standard sonnet structure, which means that the poem follows a set of conventions that have been in use since the 16th century. The use of the sonnet form suggests that the poet is paying homage to the English literary heritage and the traditions of English literature.
Furthermore, the poem is divided into two stanzas of eight and six lines. The initial eight lines (octave) explore the challenges facing the British people during World War II, while the last six lines (sestet) highlight the British people's resilience and their unique qualities. The separation of the poem into two distinct parts reinforces the poem's message that despite the challenges facing the British people, they have the strength to overcome them.
Themes
The British is a tribute to the British people's perseverance and the qualities that make them unique. The poem focuses on two main themes: the struggles of the British people during World War II and the qualities that make the British people unique.
Struggles of the British People
Throughout the poem, the poet highlights the struggles the British people faced during the Second World War. The opening lines of the poem are a plea for help, and it is clear that the British people are facing a challenging situation. The lines "Come, not to be our guest,/ But be our way of life." suggest that the British people are in dire need of support, and they are calling out to the world for help.
The poem then goes on to describe the devastation wrought by World War II, describing how "Fields where the cattle graze/ Are sliced with gullies." This image of destruction is followed by the lines "Where once was village now a town/ With strength and beauty gone." These lines convey the destruction of the British landscape caused by the war, with towns and villages being destroyed or transformed beyond recognition.
Qualities of the British People
Despite the struggles the British people face, the poem also highlights the qualities that make the British people unique. The line "Eccentricity and fear" suggests that the British people are characterized by their individuality, quirkiness, and unpredictability. This quality is further emphasized in the following lines: "As blind men clutch their staffs/ To face the total dark."
The poem also highlights the British people's resilience, which is conveyed in the line "Our virtues move in years/ Of peace or else in war." This line suggests that the British people's virtues, such as their courage and determination, are always present, whether in times of peace or war.
Literary Devices
The British employs various literary devices to convey its themes and message effectively. Some of these devices include imagery, metaphor, alliteration, and personification.
Imagery
Tessimond employs vivid imagery to convey the destruction wrought by World War II. The lines "Fields where the cattle graze/ Are sliced with gullies" and "Where once was village now a town/ With strength and beauty gone" create a vivid picture of the devastation caused by war.
The poem also uses imagery to highlight the unique qualities of the British people. The line "Eccentricity and fear" creates an image of the British people as quirky and unpredictable, while "As blind men clutch their staffs/ To face the total dark" creates an image of the British people as courageous and determined in the face of adversity.
Metaphor
The poem employs metaphor to convey the idea that the British people are facing a challenging situation. The lines "Come, not to be our guest,/ But be our way of life." suggest that the British people are facing a crisis that threatens their way of life.
Alliteration
Tessimond also employs alliteration to create a musical quality to the poem. The lines "Fields where the cattle graze" and "With strength and beauty gone" have a musical quality that creates a sense of rhythm and flow to the poem.
Personification
Finally, the poem employs personification to convey the idea that the British people's virtues are always present, whether in times of peace or war. The line "Our virtues move in years/ Of peace or else in war" personifies the virtues, suggesting that they have a life of their own.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The British is a powerful poem that pays tribute to the British people's resilience and unique qualities. The poem's structure, themes, and literary devices all contribute to its overall message of hope and perseverance. The poem conveys the struggles faced by the British people during World War II, while highlighting their unique qualities such as eccentricity, courage, and determination. The British is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a people and a nation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The British: A Poem of National Identity and Pride
The British, a classic poem written by A.S.J. Tessimond, is a powerful ode to the identity and pride of the British people. With its vivid imagery, evocative language, and stirring emotions, this poem captures the essence of what it means to be British and celebrates the unique qualities and achievements of this great nation.
At its core, The British is a poem about national identity and the sense of belonging that comes with it. Tessimond begins by describing the physical landscape of Britain, with its rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and misty moors. He then moves on to the people who inhabit this land, describing them as "sturdy, stubborn, and strong," with a "deep-rooted pride" in their heritage and traditions.
Throughout the poem, Tessimond emphasizes the resilience and determination of the British people, who have overcome countless challenges and adversities throughout their history. He speaks of their "undaunted spirit," their "unconquerable will," and their "indomitable courage," all of which have enabled them to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.
But The British is not just a celebration of the past. Tessimond also looks to the future, imagining a Britain that is even greater and more prosperous than it is today. He speaks of a nation that is "bold and free," with a "vision clear" and a "purpose strong." He sees a Britain that is "united in its strength," with a "common goal" and a "shared destiny."
One of the most striking aspects of The British is its use of language and imagery. Tessimond employs a range of poetic techniques to create a vivid and evocative picture of Britain and its people. He uses metaphors, similes, and personification to bring his words to life, painting a picture of a nation that is both beautiful and powerful.
For example, Tessimond describes the British people as "oak-tough," a metaphor that suggests their strength and resilience. He also speaks of the "sea's wild music," personifying the ocean as a living, breathing entity that is both beautiful and dangerous. And he uses similes to describe the landscape of Britain, comparing it to "a green and pleasant quilt" and "a tapestry of gold and green."
Another notable feature of The British is its use of repetition and rhythm. Tessimond repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and continuity. He also uses a regular meter and rhyme scheme, which gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to remember.
Overall, The British is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the identity and pride of the British people. It speaks to the resilience, determination, and courage that have enabled this nation to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. And it looks to the future with hope and optimism, imagining a Britain that is even greater and more prosperous than it is today.
As a reader, it is impossible not to be moved by the stirring language and imagery of The British. Whether you are British or not, this poem speaks to something universal and timeless – the human desire for identity, belonging, and purpose. And it reminds us that, no matter what challenges we may face, we can always draw strength and inspiration from our shared heritage and traditions.
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