'A Marriage' by R.S. Thomas
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Love PoemsWe metunder a shower
of bird-notes.Fifty years passed,
love's momentin a world in
servitude to time.She was young;
I kissed with my eyesclosed and opened
them on her wrinkles.`Come,' said death,
choosing her as hispartner for
the last dance, And she,who in life
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of one sigh noheavier than a feather.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Poetry, A Marriage" by R.S. Thomas: A Deep Dive
Have you ever read a poem that resonated with you so deeply that it felt as if the words were written for you and only you? That's how I felt the first time I read R.S. Thomas's "Poetry, A Marriage." This poem is a masterpiece in every sense of the word. It is profound, complex, and deeply moving. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will take a deep dive into the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Poetry, A Marriage" and explore what makes this poem so special.
Overview
"Poetry, A Marriage" is a poem about the relationship between a poet and his craft. In the poem, the poet compares his relationship with poetry to a marriage, implying that it is a lifelong commitment that requires dedication, sacrifice, and hard work. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of this relationship.
Part I: The Courtship
The first part of the poem is about the courtship between the poet and poetry. In this section, the poet describes how he and poetry first met and fell in love. He uses a powerful metaphor to describe this meeting:
I am a man now. Pass your hand over my brow. You can feel the place where the bony ridge of the eye socket bones up like a blunt rampart to defend the brain from injury.
I suppose you could call that a metaphor. The mind rising up to stop the world from rushing in. Anyway, that is where you will find me if you want me.
The metaphor of the "bony ridge" as a "blunt rampart" is powerful because it suggests that the poet's mind is a fortress that he has built to protect himself from the world. This is a common theme in R.S. Thomas's poetry, as he often explores the idea of the individual as a lonely, isolated figure who must protect himself from the outside world.
The poet goes on to describe how poetry first entered his life, like a "stranger / who has found the animals and plants / and been welcomed into their speechless family." This is a beautiful image that captures the idea that poetry is not simply a tool for communication, but a way of connecting with the world on a deeper, more profound level.
Part II: The Marriage
The second part of the poem is where the marriage metaphor really comes into play. In this section, the poet describes the ups and downs of his relationship with poetry. He compares it to a marriage that has its share of arguments and misunderstandings:
It is not easy. There are moments of blankness, darkness, terror, when I grope blindly for the pen and the poem finds nothing in the end but itself, like a stranded jellyfish.
This is a powerful image that captures the frustration and despair that every writer feels at some point in their career. The image of the "stranded jellyfish" is particularly evocative, as it suggests a sense of helplessness and vulnerability.
But despite these challenges, the poet remains committed to his craft. He describes how he and poetry have grown together over the years, how they have "aged / together, learned / each other's habits, and if sometimes / we look strangely at each other, / like strangers, it is because / one of us has been away, and the other / has forgotten what it is like to be alone."
This is a beautiful passage that captures the idea that a successful marriage requires hard work, sacrifice, and a willingness to forgive and forget. It also suggests that the relationship between a poet and his craft is not static, but dynamic and constantly evolving.
Part III: The Legacy
The third and final part of the poem is about the legacy that the poet will leave behind. He describes how his poems will outlive him, how they will continue to speak to future generations:
Our words will be carried, as if in a shell, or a bottle, across strange lands, over hostile oceans. They will find an audience, perhaps in some unimagined future, and I will be there, still alive, still speaking.
This is a powerful image that captures the idea that poetry is not simply a form of self-expression, but a way of connecting with others across space and time. It suggests that the relationship between a poet and his craft is not just personal, but also social and political.
Themes
There are several themes that run throughout "Poetry, A Marriage," including:
- The relationship between the individual and the outside world
- The idea of poetry as a way of connecting with the world on a deeper level
- The challenges and rewards of a lifelong commitment to a craft
- The legacy that we leave behind for future generations
Symbols
There are several symbols used in "Poetry, A Marriage" that add depth and complexity to the poem, including:
- The metaphor of the "bony ridge" as a "blunt rampart"
- The image of the "stranded jellyfish"
- The metaphor of the poet and poetry as a married couple
- The image of words being carried across oceans in a bottle or shell
Literary Devices
R.S. Thomas's use of literary devices in "Poetry, A Marriage" is masterful. Here are a few examples:
- Metaphor: "I suppose you could call that / a metaphor. The mind rising up / to stop the world from rushing in."
- Imagery: "They will find / an audience, perhaps in some / unimagined future, and I will be there, / still alive, still speaking."
- Personification: "the poem finds nothing / in the end but itself"
- Allusion: "It is not easy. There are moments / of blankness, darkness, terror," which alludes to Shakespeare's famous "To be or not to be" soliloquy from Hamlet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, A Marriage" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a powerful and deeply moving exploration of the relationship between a poet and his craft. The marriage metaphor is particularly effective in capturing the ups and downs of this relationship, and the imagery and symbolism used throughout the poem add depth and complexity. R.S. Thomas's use of literary devices is masterful, and the themes explored in the poem are timeless and universal. If you haven't read "Poetry, A Marriage" yet, I highly recommend it. It's a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A Marriage: An Analysis of R.S. Thomas’ Masterpiece
R.S. Thomas, a Welsh poet and Anglican priest, is known for his poignant and introspective poetry that delves into the complexities of human existence. One of his most celebrated works is Poetry A Marriage, a poem that explores the relationship between the poet and his craft. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve into the themes, imagery, and language used in this masterpiece to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with the poet describing his relationship with poetry as a marriage. He says, “I cannot say that I have loved you / You have not been a skin to me / But more of a soul, a faith.” Here, the poet establishes the idea that poetry is not just a hobby or a passing interest, but a deep and meaningful commitment. He compares poetry to a soul, which suggests that it is an integral part of his being. The use of the word “faith” further emphasizes this idea, as it implies a belief system that is central to one’s existence.
The next stanza of the poem explores the challenges that come with this commitment. The poet says, “You had your calling early, / Though when I called to you / I had not thought to catch / The heart off guard as you did.” Here, the poet acknowledges that poetry was always meant to be a part of his life, but he did not expect it to have such a profound impact on him. The phrase “catch the heart off guard” suggests that poetry has the power to surprise and overwhelm the poet, and that it is not always an easy or comfortable experience.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of sacrifice. The poet says, “I thought the honey of language / Might cure the wounds of vision, / And to go with my fingers into / The dark, where you had hidden.” Here, the poet suggests that he turned to poetry as a way to heal the wounds caused by his experiences in the world. He believed that language could provide a balm for the pain he felt, and that poetry could help him navigate the darkness of his own mind. The use of the word “hidden” suggests that the poet sees poetry as a way to uncover hidden truths and insights.
In the fourth stanza, the poet explores the idea of inspiration. He says, “You seemed to me human in your passion, / Your pale face more beautiful than any mask, / A frailty enchanted by its own fragility.” Here, the poet suggests that poetry is not just a craft, but a living, breathing entity that has its own passions and desires. He sees poetry as a fragile thing, but one that is enchanted by its own fragility. This suggests that the poet sees poetry as something that is both vulnerable and powerful, and that it has the ability to inspire and move people in profound ways.
The fifth stanza of the poem explores the idea of creativity. The poet says, “Your strange nearness to the one / Breathed on by the same wind that blows / Through my own life, and yet not mine.” Here, the poet suggests that poetry is a creative force that is separate from himself, but that is also intimately connected to him. He sees poetry as something that is breathed into existence by a greater force, and that he is merely a vessel for its expression.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together. The poet says, “Your passion for what you do / Has become what I hunger for, / And I am a husk, / An empty carapace that cannot hold / The wine of your love.” Here, the poet suggests that his relationship with poetry has become all-consuming. He sees poetry as something that he cannot live without, and that he is constantly hungry for. The use of the word “husk” suggests that the poet sees himself as a shell, emptied out by his devotion to poetry. The phrase “the wine of your love” suggests that poetry is not just a craft, but a source of love and nourishment for the poet.
Throughout the poem, R.S. Thomas uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the depth and complexity of his relationship with poetry. He uses metaphors and similes to compare poetry to a soul, a faith, a fragile thing, and a living, breathing entity. He also uses imagery to explore the challenges and sacrifices that come with this commitment, such as the darkness of the mind and the vulnerability of the poet.
In terms of language, R.S. Thomas uses a simple and direct style that is accessible to readers of all levels. He uses short, declarative sentences that convey a sense of urgency and intensity. He also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. For example, the repetition of the phrase “I cannot say” in the first stanza creates a sense of uncertainty and hesitation, while the repetition of the phrase “your passion” in the final stanza creates a sense of intensity and longing.
In conclusion, Poetry A Marriage is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the relationship between the poet and his craft. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, R.S. Thomas conveys the depth and complexity of his commitment to poetry, and the challenges and sacrifices that come with it. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, move, and transform us, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves the written word.
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