'A Peasant' by R.S. Thomas

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Thomas, R.S.Selected Poems: 1946-1968. Newcastle upon Tyne: BloodaxeBooks Ltd., 1986. (First published by Hart-Davis, MacGibbon Ltd., 1973.1946Iago Prytherch his name, though, be it allowed,
Just an ordinary man of the bald Welsh hills,
Who pens a few sheep in a gap of cloud.
Docking mangels, chipping the green skin
From the yellow bones with a half-witted grin
Of satisfaction, or churning the crude earth
To a stiff sea of clods that glint in the wind-
So are his days spent, his spittled mirth
Rarer than the sun that cracks the cheeks
Of the gaunt sky perhaps once in a week.
And then at night see him fixed in his chair
Motionless, except when he leans to gob in the fire.
There is something frightening in the vacancy of his mind.
His clothes, sour with years of sweat
And animal contact, shock the refined,
But affected, sense with their stark naturalness.
Yet this is your prototype, who, season by season
Against siege of rain and the wind's attrition,
Preserves his stock, an impregnable fortress
Not to be stormed, even in death's confusion.
Remember him, then, for he, too, is a winner of wars,
Enduring like a tree under the curious stars.

Editor 1 Interpretation

R.S. Thomas' "A Peasant": A Masterpiece of Poetry

R.S. Thomas' "A Peasant" is a stirring and poignant poem that captures the essence of rural life in Wales. The poem is a masterpiece of poetry that shows the deep connection between the land and the people who inhabit it. Through his powerful imagery and evocative language, Thomas brings to life the struggles and joys of the Welsh peasantry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the significance of this poem, its themes, and its poetic techniques.

Overview of the Poem

"A Peasant" is a six-stanza poem that is structured in free verse. The poem describes the life of a Welsh peasant and his relationship with the land. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the physical setting of the poem. The second stanza introduces the peasant and his daily routine. The third and fourth stanzas explore the peasant's relationship with the land and the animals he tends. The fifth stanza describes the peasant's hope for the future, and the final stanza brings the poem to a close with a reflection on the peasant's life.

Themes

The poem explores several themes, including the relationship between man and nature, the struggle for survival, and the importance of tradition. The most prominent theme in the poem is the relationship between man and nature. Thomas shows how the land and the animals are an integral part of the peasant's life. The peasant is not separate from nature but is instead a part of it. He is tied to the land and the animals, and their well-being is essential to his survival.

The struggle for survival is another important theme in the poem. The peasant's life is one of hard work and constant struggle. He must tend to the animals, work the land, and provide for his family. There is no room for laziness or complacency in his life. He must work hard every day to ensure that he and his family have enough to survive.

Finally, the poem emphasizes the importance of tradition. The peasant's life is steeped in tradition, and he is proud of his heritage. He follows the same customs and practices that his ancestors did, and he takes great pride in maintaining the old ways. Tradition is what binds the peasant to the land and gives him a sense of belonging.

Poetic Techniques

Thomas employs several poetic techniques to convey the themes of the poem. One of the most notable is his use of imagery. Through his vivid descriptions of the landscape and the animals, Thomas brings the poem to life. The reader can almost feel the cold wind blowing across the hills and hear the bleating of the sheep in the fields.

Another technique that Thomas uses is repetition. The phrase "he works" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the peasant's tireless work ethic. The repetition of this phrase also emphasizes the struggle for survival that is at the heart of the poem.

Thomas also uses metaphor and symbolism to convey the themes of the poem. The peasant is a metaphor for the Welsh people, and his relationship with the land and the animals is symbolic of the deep connection between the Welsh people and their country. The sheep represent the Welsh people, who, like the sheep, are hardy and resilient.

Interpretation

"A Peasant" is a deeply moving poem that captures the essence of rural life in Wales. Through his use of imagery, repetition, metaphor, and symbolism, Thomas conveys the themes of the poem and brings the peasant's life to life. The poem is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and enduring spirit of the Welsh people.

At its core, "A Peasant" is a celebration of the human spirit. It shows how people can overcome even the harshest of circumstances through hard work, tradition, and a deep connection to the land. The poem is a reminder that, no matter how difficult life may be, there is always hope for a better future.

In conclusion, R.S. Thomas' "A Peasant" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the heart and soul of rural life in Wales. Through his powerful imagery, evocative language, and poetic techniques, Thomas conveys the themes of the poem and brings the peasant's life to life. The poem is a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit and is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry or is interested in Welsh culture.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry A Peasant: A Masterpiece of R.S. Thomas

R.S. Thomas, one of the most celebrated Welsh poets of the 20th century, is known for his profound and thought-provoking poetry that explores the themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition. Among his many works, "Poetry A Peasant" stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of his poetic vision.

Written in 1958, "Poetry A Peasant" is a short but powerful poem that reflects on the nature of poetry and its relationship to the common people. The poem is structured in three stanzas, each consisting of four lines, and follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. However, the simplicity of the form belies the complexity of the ideas that the poem explores.

The poem begins with the speaker declaring that poetry is "a peasant's breath," suggesting that poetry is not the preserve of the elite but is instead a natural expression of the common people. The use of the word "breath" is significant, as it suggests that poetry is an essential part of human existence, like the air we breathe. The speaker goes on to say that poetry is "who says it is a loaf of bread," implying that poetry is not a luxury but a necessity, like food.

In the second stanza, the speaker expands on the idea of poetry as a natural expression of the common people. He says that poetry is "the voice of the poor," suggesting that poetry is a means of giving voice to those who are marginalized and oppressed. The use of the word "voice" is significant, as it suggests that poetry is a means of communication, a way of expressing oneself and connecting with others. The speaker goes on to say that poetry is "the wine of the soldiery," implying that poetry is a source of strength and courage for those who are engaged in struggle and conflict.

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the power of poetry to transcend time and space. He says that poetry is "the distillation of the ages," suggesting that poetry is a way of capturing the essence of human experience across time and space. The use of the word "distillation" is significant, as it suggests that poetry is a concentrated form of human experience, a way of capturing the essence of life in a few words. The speaker goes on to say that poetry is "the speech of the earth," implying that poetry is a way of connecting with the natural world and the rhythms of life.

Overall, "Poetry A Peasant" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of R.S. Thomas's poetic vision. Through its simple but profound language, the poem explores the nature of poetry and its relationship to the common people. It suggests that poetry is not a luxury but a necessity, a natural expression of human existence that gives voice to the marginalized and oppressed. It also suggests that poetry is a means of connecting with the natural world and the rhythms of life, and a way of capturing the essence of human experience across time and space.

In conclusion, "Poetry A Peasant" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of literature. Its simple but profound language, its powerful imagery, and its deep insights into the nature of poetry make it a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and enlighten readers for generations to come.

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