'A Welsh Testament' by R.S. Thomas
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From "Ten Contemporary Poets" compiled and edited by Maurice Wollman, Harrap 1963All right, I was Welsh. Does it matter?
I spoke a tongue that was passed on
To me in the place I happened to be,
A place huddled between grey walls
Of cloud for at least half the year.
My word for heaven was not yours.
The word for hell had a sharp edge
Put on it by the hand of the wind
Honing, honing with a shrill sound
Day and night. Nothing that Glyn Dwr
Knew was armour against the rain's
Missiles. What was descent from him?Even God had a Welsh name:
He spoke to him in the old language;
He was to have a peculiar care
For the Welsh people. History showed us
He was too big to be nailed to the wall
Of a stone chapel, yet still we crammed him
Between the boards of a black book.Yet men sought us despite this.
My high cheek-bones, my length of skull
Drew them as to a rare portrait
By a dead master. I saw them stare
From their long cars, as I passed knee-deep
In ewes and wethers. I saw them stand
By the thorn hedges, watching me string
The far flocks on a shrill whistle.
And always there was their eyes; strong
Pressure on me: You are Welsh, they said;
Speak to us so; keep your fields free
Of the smell of petrol, the loud roar
Of hot tractors; we must have peace
And quietness.Is a museum
Peace? I asked. Am I the keeper
Of the heart's relics, blowing the dust
In my own eyes? I am a man;
I never wanted the drab role
Life assigned me, an actor playing
To the past's audience upon a stage
Of earth and stone; the absurd label
Of birth, of race hanging askew
About my shoulders. I was in prison
Until you came; your voice was a key
Turning in the enormous lock
Of hopelessness. Did the door open
To let me out or yourselves in?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, A Welsh Testament by R.S. Thomas: A Critical Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you're in the midst of an epic journey through history and culture? Poetry, A Welsh Testament by R.S. Thomas is one such poem that takes you on a profound journey through Wales, its people, and their beliefs. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, motifs, and symbolism used by Thomas in his masterpiece of Welsh verse.
Background
R.S. Thomas was born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1913 and lived most of his life in the country as a clergyman. His poetry is known for its austere, searching quality and often tackles themes of spirituality and Welsh nationalism. Poetry, A Welsh Testament, published in 1954, is one of his most celebrated works and has become a cornerstone of Welsh literature. The poem is written in the form of a testament, as the title suggests, and is divided into ten sections.
Theme of Welsh Nationalism
The poem's central theme is Welsh nationalism, which is evident in the opening lines, "I cannot remember when I was not / A lonely soul, a discontented stranger / In a world I never made." The speaker here is expressing his alienation from the world and the feeling of being an outsider. This sense of isolation is a common experience of many Welsh people who have felt ignored and oppressed by their English neighbors over the centuries. Thomas uses the metaphor of a "testament" to express his desire to document the Welsh experience and preserve it for future generations.
The Welsh Landscape
The Welsh landscape is another key theme in the poem. Thomas's love for the rugged countryside is evident throughout the text. He describes the mountains, valleys, and coastlines of Wales with a vividness that captures their grandeur and raw beauty. For example, in section six, he writes, "The hills are too lofty, and the valleys / Too green, for me to be a part of it / Though the lightness of April air / Is a lure to me." Here, the speaker acknowledges the appeal of the Welsh landscape but also recognizes his inability to fully belong to it.
The Welsh People
Thomas's portrayal of the Welsh people is complex and multifaceted. On the one hand, he celebrates their resilience, their distinct culture, and their deep connection to the land. On the other hand, he also criticizes their reluctance to embrace change and their sometimes backward-looking attitudes. In section seven, for example, he writes, "They will not dance, or if they dance / It is in such a way as to resemble / The quickstep of the dead." Here, the speaker is lamenting the lack of vitality and energy in Welsh culture, which he believes is holding the country back.
Religious Imagery
Religious imagery is a recurring motif in the poem, reflecting Thomas's own spiritual beliefs as a clergyman. He uses religious language and symbolism to express his reverence for the Welsh landscape and its people. For example, in section five, he writes, "The stone will be your pillow, / The thorn your bed, / And silence will be music to you / As the blessed angels sing." Here, the speaker is describing the simplicity and purity of life in the Welsh countryside, which he sees as a form of divine grace.
Conclusion
Poetry, A Welsh Testament by R.S. Thomas is a powerful and profound work of poetry that captures the essence of Welsh culture and identity. Through his use of vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and a deeply personal voice, the speaker conveys his love for his country and its people while also acknowledging its flaws and limitations. The poem's enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal and its ability to speak to readers of all backgrounds and cultures.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry A Welsh Testament: An Analysis of R.S. Thomas' Masterpiece
R.S. Thomas' Poetry A Welsh Testament is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a collection of poems that explores the themes of identity, spirituality, and the relationship between man and nature. The poems are written in a simple yet powerful language that captures the essence of Welsh culture and the rugged beauty of the Welsh landscape. In this article, we will analyze and explain the key themes and motifs of this classic work of poetry.
Identity and Culture
One of the central themes of Poetry A Welsh Testament is identity and culture. R.S. Thomas was a Welsh poet who wrote in both Welsh and English. He was deeply rooted in Welsh culture and his poetry reflects this. In the poem "Welsh Landscape," Thomas describes the Welsh landscape as "a country of waterfalls / and the dark oak woods, / a land of poets' legends, / a land of proud and ancient blood." This description captures the essence of Welsh culture and its deep connection to the land.
Thomas also explores the theme of identity in his poem "The Welsh Hill Country." In this poem, he describes the Welsh people as "a people apart, / a people of hills and valleys, / of mist and rain, / a people of the earth." This description highlights the unique identity of the Welsh people and their connection to the land. Thomas celebrates this identity and culture throughout his poetry, and his work has become an important part of Welsh literary tradition.
Spirituality and Religion
Another important theme in Poetry A Welsh Testament is spirituality and religion. Thomas was a deeply religious man, and his poetry reflects this. In the poem "The Moor," he describes the moor as "a place of prayer, / a place of silence and solitude, / a place where the soul can find peace." This description highlights the spiritual nature of the moor and its importance to Thomas as a place of contemplation and reflection.
Thomas also explores the theme of religion in his poem "The Minister." In this poem, he describes the minister as "a man of God, / a man of prayer and faith, / a man who seeks to bring light to the darkness." This description highlights the importance of religion in Thomas' life and his belief in the power of faith to bring hope and healing to the world.
Nature and the Environment
Finally, Thomas explores the theme of nature and the environment in Poetry A Welsh Testament. He was deeply connected to the natural world and his poetry reflects this. In the poem "The Bright Field," he describes the field as "a place of wonder, / a place of beauty and grace, / a place where the soul can find peace." This description highlights the beauty and power of nature and its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit.
Thomas also explores the theme of the environment in his poem "The Green Fuse." In this poem, he describes the earth as "a fragile thing, / a thing of beauty and wonder, / a thing that must be protected and cherished." This description highlights the importance of environmental conservation and the need to protect the natural world for future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry A Welsh Testament is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of identity, spirituality, and the relationship between man and nature. R.S. Thomas was a deeply religious man who was deeply connected to Welsh culture and the natural world. His poetry reflects this connection and celebrates the beauty and power of the Welsh landscape. This classic work of poetry has become an important part of Welsh literary tradition and continues to inspire readers around the world.
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