'Sherwood' by Alfred Noyes


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SHERWOOD in the twilight, is Robin Hood awake?
Grey and ghostly shadows are gliding through the brake;
Shadows of the dappled deer, dreaming of the morn,
Dreaming of a shadowy man that winds a shadowy horn.

Robin Hood is here again: all his merry thieves
Hear a ghostly bugle-note shivering through the leaves,
Calling as he used to call, faint and far away,
In Sherwood, in Sherwood, about the break of day.

Merry, merry England has kissed the lips of June:
All the wings of fairyland were here beneath the moon;
Like a flight of rose-leaves fluttering in a mist
Of opal and ruby and pearl and amethyst.

Merry, merry England is waking as of old,
With eyes of blither hazel and hair of brighter gold:
For Robin Hood is here again beneath the bursting spray
In Sherwood, in Sherwood, about the break of day.

Love is in the greenwood building him a house
Of wild rose and hawthorn and honeysuckle boughs;
Love it in the greenwood: dawn is in the skies;
And Marian is waiting with a glory in her eyes.

Hark! The dazzled laverock climbs the golden steep:
Marian is waiting: is Robin Hood asleep?
Round the fairy grass-rings frolic elf and fay,
In Sherwood, in Sherwood, about the break of day.

Oberon, Oberon, rake away the gold,
Rake away the red leaves, roll away the mould,
Rake away the gold leaves, roll away the red,
And wake Will Scarlett from his leafy forest bed.

Friar Tuck and Little John are riding down together
With quarter-staff and drinking-can and grey goose-feather;
The dead are coming back again; the years are rolled away
In Sherwood, in Sherwood, about the break of day.

Softly over Sherwood the south wind blows;
All the heart of England hid in every rose
Hears across the greenwood the sunny whisper leap,
Sherwood in the red dawn, is Robin Hood asleep?

Hark, the voice of England wakes him as of old
And, shattering the silence with a cry of brighter gold,
Bugles in the greenwood echo from the steep,
Sherwood in the red dawn, is Robin Hood asleep?

Where the deer are gliding down the shadowy glen
All across the glades of fern he calls his merry men;
Doublets of the Lincoln green glancing through the May,
In Sherwood, in Sherwood, about the break of day;

Calls them and they answer: from aisles of oak and ash
Rings the Follow! Follow! and the boughs begin to crash;
The ferns begin to flutter and the flowers begin to fly;
And through the crimson dawning the robber band goes by.

Robin! Robin! Robin! All his merry thieves
Answer as the bugle-note shivers through the leaves:
Calling as he used to call, faint and far away,
In Sherwood, in Sherwood, about the break of day.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deeper Look into Alfred Noyes' Sherwood: A Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever found yourself transported to a different time, a different place, and a different world as you read a poem? That is what happens when you read Alfred Noyes' Sherwood. It is a poem that captures the essence of a different era, the beauty of nature, and the heroism of a legendary figure. But it is not just the story of Robin Hood that Noyes tells in this poem; it is also the story of the human spirit and the unbreakable bond between man and nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the themes, motifs, symbols, and literary devices used in Sherwood and analyze the poem's significance in the literary canon.

The Themes of Sherwood

At its core, Sherwood is a poem about the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is a story about a band of outlaws who refuse to be broken by the oppressive forces of the ruling class. But it is also a story about the transformative power of nature. The forest of Sherwood becomes a character in its own right, providing a refuge for the outlaws and a source of strength and inspiration. The theme of man's relationship with nature is central to the poem. Noyes portrays the beauty and majesty of nature, but he also acknowledges its destructive power. The forest fire that ravages Sherwood is a reminder of the delicate balance between man and nature.

Another theme that emerges from Sherwood is the idea of justice. Robin Hood and his band of outlaws are fighting against an unjust system that favors the rich and powerful. They are not only stealing from the rich to give to the poor but also challenging the very notion of hierarchy and inequality. Noyes portrays the outlaws as heroes who are not afraid to stand up for what is right, even if it means risking their lives. The theme of justice is also linked to the theme of freedom. Robin Hood and his band of outlaws are fighting for the freedom of the common people, who have been oppressed by the ruling class.

The Motifs and Symbols in Sherwood

Motifs and symbols are a crucial part of any literary work, and Sherwood is no exception. One of the most prominent motifs in the poem is that of the forest. The forest of Sherwood is a place of refuge and freedom for the outlaws. It is a place where they can be themselves, away from the prying eyes of the ruling class. The forest also represents the power of nature and its ability to transform and heal. The forest fire that destroys Sherwood is a symbol of the destructive power of nature, but it is also a symbol of rebirth and renewal.

Another important symbol in Sherwood is that of the bow and arrow. Robin Hood is famous for his skill with the bow and arrow, and it is a symbol of his defiance against the ruling class. The bow and arrow also represent the idea of justice and freedom. They are tools that the outlaws use to fight against oppression and defend the weak.

The Literary Devices in Sherwood

Alfred Noyes employs several literary devices in Sherwood to create a vivid and powerful poem. One of the most striking devices is the use of imagery. Noyes uses rich and detailed imagery to bring the forest of Sherwood to life. He describes the trees, the animals, and the landscape in such a way that the reader feels as though they are there, in the heart of the forest. Noyes also uses imagery to create a sense of danger and urgency, particularly during the scenes of battle.

Another literary device that Noyes uses in Sherwood is the use of repetition. The repetition of phrases such as "Merry, merry England" and "Robin Hood, Robin Hood, Bold outlaw of Sherwood" creates a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. It also emphasizes the central themes and motifs of the poem.

Noyes also employs the use of alliteration and assonance in Sherwood. These devices create a musical quality to the poem, making it more memorable and impactful. For example, in the opening lines, Noyes writes:

When the toil of day was done, and the quiet stars shone out,
Then came Robin Hood and his merry men, with a lusty shout.

The repetition of the "d" sound in "day was done" and "quiet stars" and the repetition of the "m" sound in "Robin Hood and his merry men" create a sense of musicality and rhythm.

The Significance of Sherwood in the Literary Canon

Sherwood is a poem that has endured for over a century, and its significance in the literary canon cannot be overstated. It is a poem that captures the essence of a particular time and place, but it is also a poem that speaks to universal themes and ideas. The poem's themes of justice, freedom, and the transformative power of nature are just as relevant today as they were when Noyes wrote the poem.

Sherwood is also significant because it has inspired countless adaptations and retellings. From films and television shows to novels and comics, the story of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws has been retold in countless ways. But it is Noyes' original poem that remains the definitive version of the story.

In conclusion, Sherwood is a poem that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. It is a vivid and powerful portrayal of the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. It is a celebration of nature and its transformative power. And it is a call to action, urging us to stand up for what is right and fight against injustice and oppression. Sherwood is a poem that deserves to be read and remembered for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sherwood: A Masterpiece of Romanticism

Alfred Noyes' Poetry Sherwood is a masterpiece of romanticism that captures the essence of the medieval era and the beauty of nature. The poem is a tribute to the legendary outlaw Robin Hood and his band of merry men who lived in the Sherwood Forest. Noyes' vivid descriptions of the forest, the characters, and the events that take place in the poem make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day.

The poem is divided into three parts, each of which tells a different story. The first part, titled "The Forest of Sherwood," sets the scene for the rest of the poem. Noyes' descriptions of the forest are breathtaking, and he paints a picture of a place that is both mysterious and enchanting. The forest is described as a place where "the trees are tall and the shadows deep" and where "the leaves rustle softly in the breeze." The forest is also home to a variety of animals, including deer, rabbits, and birds, which add to the natural beauty of the setting.

The second part of the poem, titled "Robin Hood and His Men," introduces us to the main characters of the story. Robin Hood is described as a brave and noble outlaw who steals from the rich and gives to the poor. His band of merry men includes Little John, Friar Tuck, and Will Scarlet, among others. Noyes' descriptions of the characters are vivid and detailed, and he brings them to life in a way that makes them seem real and relatable.

The third and final part of the poem, titled "The Death of Robin Hood," is a tragic tale that brings the story to a close. In this part of the poem, Robin Hood is betrayed by his cousin and is mortally wounded in a battle with the Sheriff of Nottingham. The scene is described in vivid detail, and the reader can almost feel the pain and sorrow of the characters as they mourn the loss of their beloved leader.

One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Sherwood is Noyes' use of language. His descriptions are rich and poetic, and he uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow in the poem. For example, he uses alliteration in lines such as "the leaves rustle softly in the breeze" and "the tall trees tremble in the wind." He also uses repetition to create a sense of emphasis, as in the line "Robin Hood, Robin Hood, bold outlaw of Sherwood."

Another notable aspect of the poem is its themes. The poem is a celebration of nature, and Noyes' descriptions of the forest and its inhabitants are a testament to the beauty and power of the natural world. The poem also explores themes of justice, bravery, and loyalty, as Robin Hood and his men fight against the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham and his cronies. The poem is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.

In conclusion, Poetry Sherwood is a masterpiece of romanticism that captures the essence of the medieval era and the beauty of nature. Noyes' vivid descriptions of the forest, the characters, and the events that take place in the poem make it a timeless classic that continues to captivate readers to this day. The poem is a celebration of nature, justice, bravery, and loyalty, and it is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope. If you have not yet read Poetry Sherwood, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a true masterpiece of literature that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

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