'Chapel Deacon' by R.S. Thomas
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From "Ten Contemporary Poets" compiled and edited by Maurice Wollman, Harrap 1963Who 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?
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Chapel Deacon" by R.S. Thomas: A Poetic Exploration
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were transported to a different time and place? "Chapel Deacon" by R.S. Thomas is one of those poems that takes you on a journey through the eyes of the speaker, exploring themes of faith, humanity, and the beauty and harshness of nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the structure, language, and symbolism of this classic poem, uncovering its deeper meanings and nuances.
Background and Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. R.S. Thomas was a Welsh poet and clergyman who lived from 1913 to 2000. He was known for his deep faith and his love of the Welsh language and culture. Thomas was also a keen observer of the natural world, often incorporating its imagery and symbolism into his poetry.
"Chapel Deacon" was first published in Thomas's second collection of poems, "An Acre of Land," which was released in 1952. The poem is written in free verse and is one of Thomas's most famous works. It has been anthologized many times and is often studied in schools and universities.
The Poem
Let's take a look at the poem itself:
The chapel Deacon was there,
A man grey as the walls,
And his eyes, which were hard
As pebbles, hard and dull,
Gazed out on the still sea.
The wind blew the salt spray
Over him, and he did not move,
Nor did he lower his eyes
From the horizons, where I saw
The sails of the fishing boats
Like blown petals suspended
On the water's face. He was
A rock that the tide surrounds,
A contemplative man, whom life
Could not deflect from his chosen
Path, which was to follow
The wind's course to the end.
The poem is composed of nine stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The lines are generally short, with few words per line, giving the poem a sparse, almost austere feel. The poem is written in the third person, and the speaker is observing the chapel deacon from a distance.
Structure and Language
One of the most striking features of the poem is its structure. The short stanzas and sparse language give the poem a sense of stillness and contemplation, mirroring the chapel deacon's own contemplative nature. The repetition of the phrase "hard and dull" in the second stanza reinforces the deacon's unyielding nature, while the description of his eyes as "hard as pebbles" creates a vivid image of his unshakeable faith.
The use of natural imagery is also significant in the poem. The wind, sea, and fishing boats are all symbols of the harsh beauty of nature, and the deacon's ability to withstand its forces. The description of the sails as "blown petals suspended on the water's face" is particularly striking, evoking a sense of fragility and transience in the face of the vastness of the sea.
Symbolism and Meaning
At its core, "Chapel Deacon" is a meditation on faith and the human condition. The deacon is described as "a rock that the tide surrounds," highlighting his unshakeable faith in the face of life's storms. The poem suggests that the deacon's chosen path is one of contemplation and devotion to God, and that he is able to withstand the trials of life by following "the wind's course to the end."
The deacon is also a symbol of the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in life. Like the deacon, we are all surrounded by the forces of nature, and we must find a way to navigate them in order to find our own path. The poem suggests that this path is one of faith and contemplation, and that by following it, we can find peace and purpose in life.
Conclusion
"Chapel Deacon" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of faith, nature, and the human condition. Through its sparse language, vivid imagery, and powerful symbolism, the poem invites us to contemplate our own lives and the paths that we have chosen. It is a timeless work of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today, and a testament to R.S. Thomas's skill as a poet and observer of the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Chapel Deacon: An Analysis of R.S. Thomas' Masterpiece
R.S. Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his profound and often bleak reflections on the human condition. His poem, Poetry Chapel Deacon, is no exception. This masterpiece is a complex and multi-layered work that explores the nature of poetry, the role of the poet, and the relationship between art and religion. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem and uncover its hidden meanings and messages.
The poem begins with a description of a chapel deacon who is reading a poem to the congregation. The deacon is described as "a man of the cloth" who is "reading a poem to his flock." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes a connection between poetry and religion. The deacon is not just a reader of poetry, but a man of the cloth, someone who is intimately connected to the world of religion.
The poem then shifts its focus to the poem itself. The speaker describes the poem as "a thing of beauty," but also as "a thing of pain." This duality is central to the poem's message. Poetry, like religion, can be both beautiful and painful. It can inspire us and uplift us, but it can also challenge us and make us confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world around us.
The speaker then goes on to describe the content of the poem. It is a poem about "the nature of God," and it is filled with "images of the divine." This is another connection between poetry and religion. Both seek to explore the nature of the divine, to understand the mysteries of the universe, and to make sense of our place in the world.
However, the poem is not just about the nature of God. It is also about the role of the poet in exploring and understanding that nature. The speaker describes the poet as "a prophet," someone who "sees the world in a different way." This is a common theme in R.S. Thomas' poetry. He often portrays the poet as a kind of outsider, someone who sees the world differently from the rest of us and who has a special insight into the mysteries of life.
The poem then takes a darker turn. The speaker describes the poet as "a man of sorrows," someone who has "drunk the cup of bitterness." This is a reference to the suffering that often accompanies the life of the artist. The poet, like the deacon, is not just a reader of poetry, but someone who has lived it, someone who has experienced the pain and beauty of the world in a way that most of us never will.
The poem then returns to the deacon, who is still reading the poem to the congregation. The speaker describes the deacon as "a man of faith," someone who "believes in the power of words." This is another connection between poetry and religion. Both rely on the power of words to inspire and uplift us, to help us make sense of the world around us.
The poem ends with a powerful image. The speaker describes the deacon as "a man of God," someone who "holds the keys to the kingdom." This is a reference to the idea that the deacon, like the poet, has a special insight into the mysteries of the universe. He is someone who can help us unlock the secrets of the world and find our place in it.
In conclusion, Poetry Chapel Deacon is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It explores the connections between poetry and religion, the role of the poet in understanding the mysteries of the universe, and the beauty and pain that accompany the life of the artist. It is a powerful and moving work that speaks to the human condition in a way that few other poems can. If you are a lover of poetry, or if you are simply interested in exploring the mysteries of the universe, then this poem is a must-read.
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