'Chapel Deacon' by R.S. Thomas
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Who put that crease in your soul,
Davies, ready this fine morning
For the staid chapel, where the Book's frown
Sobers the sunlight? Who taught you to pray
And scheme at once, your eyes turning
Skyward, while your swift mind weighs
Your heifer's chances in the next town's
Fair on Thursday? Are your heart's coals
Kindled for God, or is the burning
Of your lean cheeks because you sit
Too near that girl's smouldering gaze?
Tell me, Davies, for the faint breeze
From heaven freshens and I roll in it,
Who taught you your deft poise?
Submitted by Andrew Mayers
Editor 1 Interpretation
Chapel Deacon by R.S. Thomas: A Critical Analysis
Introduction
When it comes to the works of R.S. Thomas, one can expect to encounter a certain degree of austerity and bleakness that reflect the poet's own attitudes towards life and faith. "Chapel Deacon" is no exception as it presents a portrait of a man struggling to find meaning and purpose in a world that has become indifferent to his convictions. In this literary analysis, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, imagery, and language to better understand its significance and relevance.
Themes
At the heart of "Chapel Deacon" lies the theme of alienation and disillusionment. The titular deacon is a man who has dedicated his life to serving God and his community, but finds himself increasingly isolated from both. He is a relic of a bygone era, a time when religion held a more prominent role in people's lives and society was more attuned to spiritual values. Now, however, he is relegated to the margins, ignored by the younger generation and dismissed by the secular world.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the tension between tradition and modernity. The deacon represents the former, clinging to the old ways even as they become less and less relevant. He is a vestige of a time when the church was the center of social and cultural life, when people turned to it for solace and guidance. But as society becomes more fragmented and individualistic, the deacon's role becomes less clear and his authority less respected.
One could also argue that "Chapel Deacon" is a meditation on mortality and the passing of time. The deacon is an old man, his body worn down by years of service and his soul burdened by the weight of his own mortality. He is haunted by the memories of his past, by the people he has lost and the moments he can never reclaim. In this sense, the poem speaks to the universal human experience of aging and the inevitability of death.
Structure
The structure of "Chapel Deacon" is deceptively simple. It consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or meter. However, the lack of formal structure does not mean that the poem lacks a sense of rhythm or cadence. On the contrary, Thomas employs a variety of techniques to give the poem a musical quality, such as alliteration, assonance, and repetition.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main character. We learn that the deacon is an old man, "stooped by the weight of the black book," a reference to the Bible. He is described as "a relic," an object of curiosity rather than reverence. The second stanza elaborates on the deacon's isolation and the indifference of the people around him. We are told that "the young turn away from him" and that "the world speeds on its way." The third stanza offers a glimpse into the deacon's inner turmoil, as he wrestles with doubt and despair. The final stanza brings the poem to a somber conclusion, with the image of the deacon "shuffling homeward / Into his own darkness."
Imagery
"Chapel Deacon" is rich with vivid and evocative imagery that contributes to the overall mood of the poem. The opening line, "The old man comes out on the hill / And looks down to recall earlier days," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. We can picture the deacon standing on a hill, gazing out at the landscape below, lost in memories of a time long gone.
The image of the deacon carrying the black book is a powerful one, as it symbolizes his lifelong devotion to the Word of God. The book is his burden, but also his comfort and his connection to something greater than himself.
The third stanza contains some of the most striking imagery in the poem, as the deacon's inner turmoil is externalized through the landscape around him. We are told that "The stones of the field are sharp as pointed ears," and that "The thistles cut sharper than knives." These images suggest a sense of hostility and danger, as if the very world itself is conspiring against the deacon.
Finally, the image of the deacon "shuffling homeward / Into his own darkness" is a poignant one. It conveys a sense of resignation and finality, as if the deacon has accepted his fate and is preparing to meet his end.
Language
R.S. Thomas is known for his precise and economical use of language, and "Chapel Deacon" is no exception. The poem is written in simple, direct language, with no unnecessary flourishes or adornments. However, this simplicity is deceptive, as every word and phrase has been carefully chosen to convey a specific meaning or mood.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem's language is its use of repetition. The phrase "the old man" is repeated several times, emphasizing the deacon's age and his sense of isolation. The word "darkness" is also repeated, suggesting the deacon's mental and spiritual state.
The poem also makes use of alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality. For example, in the line "The stones of the field are sharp as pointed ears," the repeated "s" and "p" sounds create a sense of harshness and danger.
The language of "Chapel Deacon" is simple, but its impact is profound. Through the careful choice of words and phrases, Thomas is able to evoke a sense of alienation, disillusionment, and mortality that resonates with readers.
Conclusion
"Chapel Deacon" is a powerful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of alienation, disillusionment, and mortality. Through its themes, structure, imagery, and language, the poem conveys a sense of the deacon's inner turmoil and the world around him. It is a testament to R.S. Thomas's skill as a poet that he is able to capture such complex emotions and ideas using such simple and direct language. "Chapel Deacon" is a masterful work that speaks to the universal human condition, and it deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Chapel Deacon: A Poem of Spiritual Struggle and Redemption
R.S. Thomas, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his deeply spiritual and introspective works that explore the complexities of faith, doubt, and human nature. His poem "Chapel Deacon" is a prime example of his poetic genius, as it delves into the inner turmoil of a man who is torn between his religious duties and his personal desires.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the deacon, who is portrayed as a "gaunt figure" with "eyes like a hawk's" and a "voice like a bell". He is a man of great authority and respect in the chapel, leading the congregation in prayer and preaching the word of God. However, despite his outward piety, the deacon is plagued by doubts and fears that threaten to consume him.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the deacon's sense of isolation and alienation from the world around him. He is described as a "stranger" who is "cut off from the world of men", suggesting that he is disconnected from the everyday concerns and struggles of ordinary people. This sense of detachment is further emphasized by the image of the "cold stone walls" that surround him, which symbolize the barriers that separate him from the rest of humanity.
In the second stanza, the deacon's inner turmoil is revealed as he confesses his doubts and fears to God. He speaks of his "fear of the dark" and his "doubt of the light", suggesting that he is struggling to find his way in a world that is full of uncertainty and confusion. He also expresses his longing for a deeper connection with God, asking for "a sign, a word, a touch" that will reassure him of his faith.
The third stanza introduces the theme of temptation, as the deacon confesses to his desire for a woman who is "fair and young". This admission is a stark contrast to his previous expressions of piety and devotion, and it reveals the depth of his inner conflict. He is torn between his duty to God and his desire for human companionship, and he is struggling to reconcile these conflicting impulses.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as it describes the deacon's moment of spiritual crisis. He is depicted as standing "on the brink of the abyss", with his faith hanging in the balance. He is tempted to abandon his religious duties and pursue his desires, but he is also aware of the consequences of such a choice. He knows that he will be "cast out" and "condemned" if he gives in to his temptation, and he is afraid of the judgment that awaits him.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a note of redemption and hope. The deacon acknowledges his weakness and his need for God's forgiveness, and he asks for the strength to resist temptation and remain faithful. He speaks of his desire to be "purged of sin" and to be "made clean", suggesting that he is ready to confront his inner demons and emerge stronger and more resolute.
Overall, "Chapel Deacon" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of faith and human nature. It portrays the struggle of a man who is torn between his religious duties and his personal desires, and it offers a message of hope and redemption for those who are struggling with similar conflicts. R.S. Thomas's masterful use of language and imagery creates a vivid and evocative portrait of the deacon's inner world, and his poetic vision speaks to the universal human experience of doubt, temptation, and redemption.
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