'The South Country' by Hilaire Belloc

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1920When I am living in the MidlandsThat are sodden and unkind,
I light my lamp in the evening:My work is left behind;
And the great hills of the South CountryCome back into my mind.The great hills of the South CountryThey stand along the sea;
And it's there walking in the high woodsThat I could wish to be,
And the men that were boys when I was a boyWalking along with me.The men that live in North EnglandI saw them for a day:
Their hearts are set upon the waste fells,Their skies are fast and grey;
From their castle-walls a man may seeThe mountains far away.The men that live in West EnglandThey see the Severn strong,
A-rolling on rough water brownLight aspen leaves along.
They have the secret of the Rocks,And the oldest kind of song.But the men that live in the South CountryAre the kindest and most wise,
They get their laughter from the loud surf,And the faith in their happy eyes
Comes surely from our Sister the SpringWhen over the sea she flies;
The violets suddenly bloom at her feet,She blesses us with surprise.I never get between the pinesBut I smell the Sussex air;
Nor I never come on a belt of sandBut my home is there.
And along the sky the line of the DownsSo noble and so bare.A lost thing could I never find,Nor a broken thing mend:
And I fear I shall be all aloneWhen I get towards the end.
Who will there be to comfort meOr who will be my friend?I will gather and carefully make my friendsOf the men of the Sussex Weald;
They watch the stars from silent folds,They stiffly plough the field.
By them and the God of the South CountryMy poor soul shall be healed.If I ever become a rich man,Or if ever I grow to be old,
I will build a house with deep thatchTo shelter me from the cold,
And there shall the Sussex songs be sungAnd the story of Sussex told.I will hold my house in the high woodWithin a walk of the sea,
And the men that were boys when I was a boyShall sit and drink with me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The South Country: A Literary Gem from Hilaire Belloc

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were taken on a journey to another place and time? That's exactly what Hilaire Belloc accomplished when he wrote "The South Country." This classic poem, published in 1926, has been a favorite of many readers for its vivid imagery, lyrical language, and nostalgic tone.

As we delve deeper into this literary gem, we'll explore its themes, symbolism, and poetic devices. But first, let's take a trip to the south country and see what Belloc has in store for us.

A Journey to the South Country

"The South Country" opens with a description of the landscape, which immediately transports us to a different world:

When I am living in the Midlands
That are sodden and unkind,
I light my lamp in the evening:
My work is left behind;
And the great hills of the South Country
Come back into my mind.

Through his use of words like "sodden" and "unkind," Belloc paints a picture of a dreary and uninviting place. This contrast sets the stage for the beauty and allure of the south country.

As the poem progresses, we see Belloc's deep affection for this region. He describes the rolling hills, the lush green fields, and the winding rivers that flow through the landscape. The imagery is so vivid that you can almost feel the warmth of the sun and smell the earthy scent of the soil.

But "The South Country" is more than just a picturesque travelogue. It's a meditation on the power of memory and the longing for a simpler time. Belloc writes:

And there's no trade in the south country,
No busy bargains struck,
For a civilisation that is old and grey
And knows it will soon be nought
With a jolly good cheer
For the new world's year
And the portents in the sky.

Here, he contrasts the bustle of the Midlands with the calm and quiet of the south country. The people here are content with their simple lives, free from the pressures of modernity. They are connected to the land and to each other, living in harmony with nature.

Themes and Symbolism

"The South Country" is a celebration of rural life and a critique of modernity. Belloc contrasts the simplicity and serenity of the south country with the chaos and uncertainty of the modern world. He suggests that we have lost something valuable in our rush to progress and that we should look to the past for guidance.

Belloc also uses symbolism to convey his ideas. For example, the countryside is often associated with the idea of innocence and purity, while the city represents corruption and decay. In "The South Country," the countryside is portrayed as an idyllic paradise, while the city is a place of danger and confusion.

Another symbol is the river, which flows throughout the poem. It represents the continuity of life and the passage of time. The river is a reminder that even as things change, there are constants that remain, like the beauty and the majesty of nature.

Poetic Devices

Belloc's use of language is one of the most striking features of "The South Country." He employs a variety of poetic devices to create a lyrical and musical effect. For example, he uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and flow:

And the great hills of the South Country
Come back into my mind.

Here, the repetition of the "k" sound in "great hills" and "South Country" creates a soothing and melodic effect.

Belloc also uses repetition to emphasize certain themes and ideas. For example, the phrase "the great hills of the South Country" is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition reinforces the importance of the landscape and its role in shaping the narrator's memories and emotions.

Conclusion

"The South Country" is a timeless poem that captures the essence of rural life and the power of memory. Belloc's descriptive language, vivid imagery, and poetic devices create a rich and immersive experience for the reader. The poem reminds us to cherish the simple things in life and to stay connected to the natural world.

As you read "The South Country," you can't help but feel a sense of longing and nostalgia. It's a poem that speaks to our deepest desires and reminds us of what truly matters. So, take a journey to the south country with Hilaire Belloc and discover the beauty that lies within.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The South Country: A Poetic Journey Through Time and Space

Hilaire Belloc's "The South Country" is a classic poem that takes the reader on a journey through the English countryside. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and diversity of the landscape, as well as a reflection on the history and culture of the region. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and evocative tone, "The South Country" is a masterpiece of English poetry that continues to captivate readers today.

The poem begins with a description of the landscape, as the speaker invites the reader to join him on a journey through the South Country. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker declares that "I have been over the South Country / And written down what I saw there" (lines 1-2). This declaration of intent is followed by a series of vivid descriptions of the landscape, as the speaker paints a picture of rolling hills, green fields, and winding rivers.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. Belloc's descriptions are so vivid that the reader can almost feel the sun on their face and smell the scent of wildflowers in the air. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes the "hollows filled with shade" and the "slopes where the rabbit feeds" (lines 5-6). These images create a sense of depth and texture, as if the reader is actually walking through the landscape.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of language. Belloc's writing is rich and poetic, with a musical quality that is both soothing and uplifting. The poem is full of alliteration, assonance, and other literary devices that create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, in the third stanza, the speaker describes the "rolling downs and the sheep that graze / And the oxen slow in the furrow" (lines 9-10). The repetition of the "s" and "o" sounds creates a sense of movement and harmony, as if the landscape is a living, breathing entity.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the history and culture of the South Country. He describes the ancient churches and castles that dot the landscape, as well as the traditions and customs of the people who live there. For example, in the fourth stanza, the speaker describes the "old stone crosses on the way" and the "singing men and women" (lines 13-14). These images create a sense of continuity and connection to the past, as if the landscape is a living record of the region's history.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes in the fifth stanza, when the speaker reflects on the beauty and fragility of the landscape. He describes the "hedges white with may" and the "orchards thick with bloom" (lines 17-18), but also notes that "the whole world's in a race / And the race is to keep ahead" (lines 19-20). This juxtaposition of beauty and impermanence creates a sense of urgency and poignancy, as if the reader is being reminded of the fleeting nature of life.

The poem concludes with a return to the present moment, as the speaker reflects on the journey he has taken and the beauty he has witnessed. He declares that "there's nothing left remarkable / Beneath the visiting moon" (lines 23-24), but also notes that "the South Country may still be / The fortunate fields of Shining Gault" (lines 25-26). This final image creates a sense of hope and possibility, as if the beauty and richness of the landscape will endure despite the passage of time.

In conclusion, "The South Country" is a masterpiece of English poetry that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the English countryside. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and evocative tone, the poem takes the reader on a journey through time and space, reflecting on the history and culture of the region while also reminding us of the fragility and impermanence of life. Belloc's writing is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a place and a people, and to inspire us to see the world with fresh eyes.

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