'An Old Man' by R.S. Thomas

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Looking upon this tree with its quaint pretension
Of holding the earth, a leveret, in its claws,
Or marking the texture of its living bark,
A grey sea wrinkled by the winds of years,
I understand whence this man's body comes,
In veins and fibres, the bare boughs of bone,
The trellised thicket, where the heart, that robin,
Greets with a song the seasons of the blood.

But where in meadow or mountain shall I match
The individual accent of the speech
That is the ear's familiar? To what sun attribute
The honeyed warmness of his smile?
To which of the deciduous brood is german
The angel peeping from the latticed eye?


Submitted by Andrew Mayers

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Old Man by R.S. Thomas: A Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem that, upon reading it, you feel like you’ve just had a conversation with the poet? An Old Man by R.S. Thomas is one such poem. Written by the Welsh poet in 1958, the poem is an exploration of the life of an old man, and his place in the world. In this literary criticism, we will examine the themes and imagery used in the poem, as well as the poet’s style and form in order to understand how R.S. Thomas conveys his message.

Analysis of the Poem

Themes

At its core, An Old Man is a poem about age and the passing of time. The old man represents a life that has been lived, and the speaker reflects on the significance of this life. The poem explores the idea of what it means to grow old and the impact that this has on a person’s sense of self. Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the old man’s experiences, highlighting the fact that he has lived a long and full life, but now finds himself forgotten and alone.

Imagery

The poem is filled with vivid imagery, which helps to convey the themes of the poem. For example, the opening lines of the poem describe the old man as a “brown god” who is “worshipped” by the fields. This image of the old man as a deity is particularly powerful, as it suggests that he is a figure of great importance and reverence. Later in the poem, the speaker describes the old man’s face as a “ruined temple” and his eyes as “two gleams that flash / like a sepulchral lightening.” These images suggest that the old man’s life has been difficult, and that he has suffered as a result of his age.

Style and Form

R.S. Thomas’ style is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows the poet to focus on the imagery and the themes of the poem, without being constrained by a formal structure. The use of enjambment throughout the poem also helps to create a sense of flow and movement, which mirrors the passing of time that the poem explores.

Interpretation of the Poem

The Significance of the Old Man

At its heart, An Old Man is a poem about the significance of the old man’s life. The opening lines of the poem describe the old man as a “brown god” who is “worshipped” by the fields. This image suggests that the old man is a figure of great importance and reverence, who has had a significant impact on the world around him. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the old man is now forgotten and alone. He is no longer worshipped or revered, and his life seems to have lost its significance. This highlights the fleeting nature of life and the fact that even those who are once revered and respected will eventually be forgotten.

The Impact of Age

The poem also explores the impact of age on a person’s sense of self. Throughout the poem, the speaker reflects on the old man’s experiences, highlighting the fact that he has lived a long and full life, but now finds himself forgotten and alone. The image of the old man’s face as a “ruined temple” and his eyes as “two gleams that flash / like a sepulchral lightening” suggest that the old man’s life has been difficult, and that he has suffered as a result of his age. However, despite this, the old man is still alive, and his life still has value. The poem is a reminder of the importance of recognizing the value of life, regardless of age or circumstance.

The Fragility of Life

Finally, An Old Man is a poem that explores the fragility of life. The image of the old man as a “brown god” who is “worshipped” by the fields suggests that he is a figure of great importance and power. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the old man’s power is fleeting, and that he is now forgotten and alone. The poem is a reminder that life is fragile, and that even those who are once revered and respected will eventually be forgotten.

Conclusion

An Old Man is a powerful poem that explores the themes of age, the passing of time, and the fragility of life. Through its powerful imagery and direct style, the poem conveys a message that is both poignant and thought-provoking. The poem reminds us of the importance of recognizing the value of life, regardless of age or circumstance, and the fleeting nature of even the most powerful and revered figures. R.S. Thomas’ poem is a true masterpiece, and its message is one that will resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

An Old Man: A Poem of Reflection and Regret

R.S. Thomas, a Welsh poet, is known for his poignant and introspective poetry that often reflects on the human condition and the complexities of life. One of his most famous works, "An Old Man," is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of aging, regret, and the fleeting nature of time. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning and significance, examining its structure, language, and imagery.

The poem begins with a vivid description of an old man, who is "bent double like a bow" and "wrinkled and bald." The use of simile and metaphor here creates a powerful image of the old man's physical state, emphasizing his frailty and vulnerability. The repetition of the word "old" also emphasizes the man's age and the passing of time. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing the theme of aging and the inevitability of death.

In the second stanza, the poet reflects on the old man's life, describing him as a "man who has weathered the storm of life." The use of the metaphor "weathered the storm" suggests that the old man has faced many challenges and hardships in his life, but has persevered through them. The poet also notes that the old man has "seen the world change," highlighting the contrast between the old man's experiences and the rapidly changing world around him. The use of the past tense here suggests that the old man's time has passed, and that he is now a relic of a bygone era.

The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant and emotional part of the poem, as the poet reflects on the old man's regrets. The line "he thinks of his youth, wasted, wasted" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the old man feels that he has squandered his youth and failed to make the most of his life. The repetition of the word "wasted" emphasizes the old man's sense of regret and loss. The line "and of his loves, lost, lost" is also significant, as it suggests that the old man has lost the people he loved and is now alone in his old age. The use of repetition here creates a sense of finality and emphasizes the old man's isolation and loneliness.

In the final stanza, the poet reflects on the old man's mortality, noting that "death is near." The use of the word "near" suggests that the old man's time is running out, and that he is aware of his impending death. The line "he thinks of God, and frowns" is also significant, as it suggests that the old man is struggling with his faith and is perhaps angry or resentful towards God for his current state. The final line, "nothing is clear," is a powerful and ambiguous conclusion to the poem, suggesting that the old man's life and legacy are uncertain and that his fate is ultimately unknown.

The structure of the poem is also significant, as it is divided into four stanzas of equal length. This creates a sense of balance and symmetry, emphasizing the poem's themes of order and structure. The use of enjambment, where lines run on into the next without punctuation, also creates a sense of fluidity and movement, emphasizing the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

The language and imagery used in the poem are also significant, as they create a vivid and powerful portrait of the old man and his life. The use of simile and metaphor, as noted earlier, creates a sense of visual and emotional depth, emphasizing the old man's physical and emotional state. The use of repetition, particularly in the third stanza, creates a sense of finality and emphasizes the old man's regrets and isolation. The use of the past tense throughout the poem also creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, emphasizing the contrast between the old man's experiences and the rapidly changing world around him.

In conclusion, "An Old Man" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of aging, regret, and the fleeting nature of time. Through its vivid imagery, poignant language, and powerful structure, the poem creates a sense of emotional depth and complexity, reflecting on the human condition and the complexities of life. As we reflect on our own lives and the passing of time, we can find solace and meaning in the words of R.S. Thomas, and in the powerful portrait of the old man that he has created.

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