'Badger' by John Clare
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
When midnight comes a host of dogs and men
Go out and track the badger to his den,
And put a sack within the hole, and lie
Till the old grunting badger passes by.
He comes an hears - they let the strongest loose.
The old fox gears the noise and drops the goose.
The poacher shoots and hurries from the cry,
And the old hare half wounded buzzes by.
They get a forked stick to bear him down
And clap the dogs and take him to the town,
And bait him all the day with many dogs,
And laugh and shout and fright the scampering hogs.
He runs along and bites at all he meets:
They shout and hollo down the noisy streets.
He turns about to face the loud uproar
And drives the rebels to their very door.
The frequent stone is hurled where'er they go;
When badgers fight, then everyone's a foe.
The dogs are clapped and urged to join the fray'
The badger turns and drives them all away.
Though scarcely half as big, demure and small,
He fights with dogs for hours and beats them all.
The heavy mastiff, savage in the fray,
Lies down and licks his feet and turns away.
The bulldog knows his match and waxes cold,
The badger grins and never leaves his hold.
He drives the crowd and follows at their heels
And bites them through—the drunkard swears and reels
The frighted women take the boys away,
The blackguard laughs and hurries on the fray.
He tries to reach the woods, and awkward race,
But sticks and cudgels quickly stop the chase.
He turns again and drives the noisy crowd
And beats the many dogs in noises loud.
He drives away and beats them every one,
And then they loose them all and set them on.
He falls as dead and kicked by boys and men,
Then starts and grins and drives the crowd again;
Till kicked and torn and beaten out he lies
And leaves his hold and crackles, groans, and dies.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Fascinating World of Badger by John Clare: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that takes you on a journey through a world you've never seen before? John Clare's Badger is one such poem. This classic work of literature is a masterful depiction of the life and habits of the badger, and it does so in a way that is both beautiful and informative. In this literary criticism and interpretation of Badger, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and imagery that make this poem a timeless work of art.
Overview of the Poem
Badger is a poem by John Clare, an English poet who lived from 1793 to 1864. The poem was first published in 1830, and it has since become one of the most beloved works of literature in the English language. The poem is structured in six stanzas, each comprising four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. The poem is written in the first person, with the speaker describing the habits and behaviors of a badger.
Themes and Symbolism
One of the central themes of Badger is the relationship between humans and nature. The speaker of the poem is a human who observes the badger in its natural habitat. The badger, in turn, is depicted as a creature that is both independent and mysterious. The poem highlights the beauty of the natural world while also reminding readers of the importance of respecting and preserving it.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of survival. The badger is depicted as a creature that is both cunning and resilient. It is able to survive in harsh conditions and is skilled at adapting to its environment. The poem suggests that there is much to be learned from this creature, and that we can all benefit from its example.
Symbolism is also used in Badger to great effect. The badger is often seen as a symbol of strength and tenacity, and this is certainly true in Clare's poem. The badger is depicted as a creature that is unafraid of danger and is willing to fight for its survival. At the same time, the badger is also seen as a symbol of independence and self-reliance. It is a creature that is able to thrive in the wild without the help of humans or other animals.
Imagery
One of the most striking features of Badger is its use of imagery. Clare uses vivid and evocative descriptions to bring the badger and its habitat to life. For example, in the first stanza, the speaker describes the badger's den as "a hole in earth embowered with fern." This image immediately conjures up a vision of a hidden and secluded space, surrounded by the lush greenery of the forest.
Throughout the poem, Clare uses imagery to create a sense of the badger's movements and habits. In the third stanza, for example, he describes the badger as "rolling in the cornfields like a stone." This image captures the badger's heavy and cumbersome movements, as well as its ability to blend in with its surroundings.
Structure and Language
The structure and language of Badger are also noteworthy. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which gives it a rhythmic and musical quality. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a sense of unity and cohesion between the stanzas. The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet it is also poetic and evocative. Clare uses a range of literary devices, including alliteration and metaphor, to create a vivid and memorable portrait of the badger.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Badger by John Clare is a timeless work of literature that continues to captivate readers today. Through its themes, symbolism, imagery, and language, the poem explores the relationship between humans and nature, the importance of survival, and the symbolism of the badger as a symbol of strength and independence. Whether you are a nature lover, a poetry enthusiast, or simply someone looking for a good read, Badger is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Badger by John Clare: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry
John Clare, the celebrated English poet, is known for his profound love for nature and his ability to capture the essence of the natural world in his poetry. One of his most famous works is the poem "Badger," which is a beautiful and poignant portrayal of the life and habits of this elusive and fascinating creature. In this article, we will explore the poem in detail, analyzing its structure, language, and themes, and uncovering the hidden meanings and messages that lie within its lines.
Structure and Language
The poem "Badger" is a sonnet, a form of poetry that originated in Italy and became popular in England during the Renaissance. A sonnet is a fourteen-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter, and is usually divided into two parts: an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines). In "Badger," Clare follows this structure, with the first eight lines describing the badger's physical appearance and behavior, and the last six lines reflecting on the badger's place in the natural world.
The language of the poem is simple and direct, yet rich in imagery and metaphor. Clare uses a variety of sensory details to bring the badger to life, describing its "shaggy coat" and "grisly face," its "claws like steel," and its "sulky pace." He also uses metaphor to convey the badger's character and personality, comparing it to a "hermit" who "shuns the noise of folly" and "lives retired."
Themes and Messages
At its core, "Badger" is a poem about the beauty and complexity of nature, and the importance of respecting and appreciating all living creatures, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem. Through his vivid descriptions of the badger, Clare invites us to see the world through the eyes of this humble and solitary creature, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life that it enjoys.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of solitude and isolation. The badger is portrayed as a creature who prefers to live alone, away from the noise and chaos of human society. Clare suggests that this is not a weakness or a flaw, but rather a strength and a virtue, as the badger is able to find peace and contentment in its own company. This theme is reflected in the poem's final lines, where Clare writes:
"Thus doth the little badger spend the night, In peaceful self-contentment, till the dawn Peeps through the branches, and the birds take flight."
Another important theme of the poem is the idea of resilience and survival. The badger is a creature that has adapted to its environment and learned to thrive in the face of adversity. Clare describes the badger's "claws like steel" and its ability to "dig its way to freedom" as symbols of its strength and determination. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many species are facing extinction due to human activity. Clare's poem reminds us that even the smallest and most vulnerable creatures have the capacity to survive and thrive, if we give them the chance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Badger" is a masterpiece of nature poetry that captures the beauty and complexity of the natural world in a few short lines. Through his vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, John Clare invites us to see the world through the eyes of the badger, and to appreciate the simple pleasures of life that it enjoys. The poem's themes of solitude, resilience, and survival are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written, and serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting all living creatures. If you have not yet read "Badger," I highly recommend that you do so, and discover for yourself the magic and wonder of this timeless masterpiece.
Editor Recommended Sites
Open Source Alternative: Alternatives to proprietary tools with Open Source or free github softwareSwitch Tears of the Kingdom fan page: Fan page for the sequal to breath of the wild 2
Rust Software: Applications written in Rust directory
Local Dev Community: Meetup alternative, local dev communities
Gan Art: GAN art guide
Recommended Similar Analysis
Laboratory , The by Robert Browning analysisThe Ladies by Rudyard Kipling analysis
Sestina by Elizabeth Bishop analysis
Chicago by Carl Sandburg analysis
Ample make this bed. by Emily Dickinson analysis
In Midnight Sleep by Walt Whitman analysis
Blossom , The by William Blake analysis
Frog Autumn by Sylvia Plath analysis
Style by Carl Sandburg analysis
Hap by Thomas Hardy analysis