'Exmoor' by Amy Clampitt
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Lost aboard the roll of Kodac-
olor that was to have super-
seded all need to remember
Somerset were: a large flock
of winter-bedcover-thick-
pelted sheep up on the moor;
a stile, a church spire,
and an excess, at Porlock,
of tenderly barbarous antique
thatch in tandem with flower-
beds, relentlessly pictur-
esque, along every sidewalk;
a millwheel; and a millbrook
running down brown as beer.
Exempt from the disaster.
however, as either too quick
or too subtle to put on rec-
ord, were these: the flutter
of, beside the brown water,
with a butterfly-like flick
of fan-wings, a bright black-
and-yellow wagtail; at Dulver-
ton on the moor, the flavor
of the hot toasted teacake
drowning in melted butter
we had along with a bus-tour-
load of old people; the driver
's way of smothering every r
in the wool of a West Countr-
y diphthong, and as a Somer-
set man, the warmth he had for
the high, wild, heather-
dank wold he drove us over.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty of Nature in Amy Clampitt's "Exmoor"
Have you ever encountered a piece of literature that just takes your breath away with its beauty? One such work is "Exmoor" by Amy Clampitt. This poem is a masterpiece of nature poetry, capturing the magic and wonder of the natural world in a way that is both lyrical and profound.
At first glance, "Exmoor" appears to be a simple description of a natural landscape. The poem begins with a visual depiction of the moors, with Clampitt describing "the grasses' / stippled shades of gold" and the "sheep-dotted / waste of the moor." However, as the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that there is something deeper and more complex going on.
One of the key themes of "Exmoor" is the idea of timelessness. Clampitt describes the moors as a place where "time / dissolves like sugar in tea," suggesting that this landscape is somehow outside of time. This is a common trope in nature poetry, but Clampitt takes it a step further, suggesting that the moors are not just timeless, but eternal. She writes that "the moor / endures, unchanged, / while we, like everything else, / are only here a while."
This idea of the eternal nature of the natural world is both beautiful and humbling. It reminds us that we are just a small part of a much larger world, and that the beauty and majesty of nature will continue long after we are gone. This is a comforting thought in some ways, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about our place in the world and our relationship to the natural world.
Another key theme of "Exmoor" is the idea of transformation. Clampitt describes the moors as a place where "what was already / changing changes again." This idea of constant transformation is echoed throughout the poem, with Clampitt describing the shifting colors of the moors, the changing weather, and even the movement of the sheep.
This theme of transformation is tied to the idea of timelessness, as it suggests that while the moors may be eternal, they are also constantly changing and evolving. This creates a sense of dynamism and energy that is at the heart of the poem's appeal.
The language of "Exmoor" is also worth noting. Clampitt's use of language is both precise and evocative, with every word carefully chosen for maximum impact. She describes the moors as "a sensuousness of green," and the sky as "a scumbling of cloud," creating a sense of lush, vivid imagery that draws the reader in.
Of course, like any great work of literature, "Exmoor" is open to multiple interpretations. Some readers may see the poem as a celebration of the natural world, while others may read it as a commentary on the impermanence of human life. Still others may see it as a meditation on the relationship between humans and nature, and the ways in which we are both separate from and connected to the natural world.
Regardless of how one chooses to interpret the poem, there is no denying its power and beauty. "Exmoor" is a work of art that captures the essence of the natural world in all its glory, reminding us of the deep connection we have to the world around us, and the eternal beauty that surrounds us every day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Exmoor: A Poem of Nature's Majesty
Amy Clampitt's poem Exmoor is a breathtaking ode to the beauty and power of nature. With vivid imagery and a keen eye for detail, Clampitt transports the reader to the wild and rugged landscape of Exmoor, a region in southwestern England known for its moors, hills, and coastline. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Exmoor, and delve into the ways in which Clampitt captures the essence of this awe-inspiring landscape.
The poem begins with a description of the moors, which are "spongy, tussocky, / underfoot, the heather / a mauve thatch." The use of sensory language here is particularly effective, as the reader can almost feel the softness of the moorland underfoot and see the vibrant purple of the heather. Clampitt's attention to detail is evident throughout the poem, as she describes the "gorse in bloom," the "stone walls / that snake across the hills," and the "sheep that graze / on the steep slopes." These details not only create a vivid picture of the landscape, but also serve to highlight the ways in which humans have interacted with and shaped this environment.
One of the key themes of Exmoor is the idea of wilderness, and the tension between the natural world and human civilization. Clampitt writes of the "wilderness that is not / so much wilderness as that / which is wild within us," suggesting that the untamed landscape of Exmoor reflects something primal and untamed within ourselves. At the same time, however, she acknowledges the ways in which humans have altered this landscape, from the "stone walls" that mark property boundaries to the "sheep that graze" on the hillsides. The poem thus raises questions about our relationship to the natural world, and the ways in which we can both appreciate and protect it.
Another important theme of Exmoor is the idea of time and history. Clampitt writes of the "ancient hills" and the "stone circles" that dot the landscape, reminding us that this region has been inhabited and shaped by humans for thousands of years. At the same time, she also emphasizes the timeless quality of the landscape, with its "endless sky" and "unfathomable distances." The poem thus invites us to contemplate the ways in which our own lives are intertwined with the history and geography of the places we inhabit.
The structure of Exmoor is also worth noting, as it is divided into three distinct sections. The first section, which we have already discussed, focuses on the moors and the ways in which humans have interacted with this landscape. The second section shifts to the coastline, with its "cliffs that plunge / into the sea" and its "rocky coves." Here, Clampitt emphasizes the power and majesty of the ocean, with its "tide that rises / and falls like a breath." The final section of the poem returns to the moors, but with a new sense of perspective. Clampitt writes of the "sky that is not / so much sky as a vast / expanse of air," suggesting that the landscape is not just something to be looked at, but something to be experienced and felt.
Throughout the poem, Clampitt's language is rich and evocative, with a musical quality that echoes the rhythms of the landscape itself. She uses alliteration and assonance to create a sense of movement and flow, as in the lines "the gorse in bloom, the heather / a mauve thatch." She also employs metaphor and simile to capture the essence of the landscape, as when she writes of the "stone walls / that snake across the hills like veins." These literary devices not only add to the beauty of the poem, but also help to convey the complex emotions and ideas that it explores.
In conclusion, Exmoor is a stunning poem that captures the beauty and power of one of England's most rugged and wild landscapes. Through vivid imagery, careful attention to detail, and a keen sense of history and time, Amy Clampitt invites us to contemplate our relationship to the natural world and the ways in which we are shaped by the places we inhabit. Whether you have visited Exmoor or simply appreciate the majesty of nature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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