'Beauty' by Edward Thomas


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WHAT does it mean? Tired, angry, and ill at ease,
No man, woman, or child alive could please
Me now. And yet I almost dare to laugh
Because I sit and frame an epitaph--
"Here lies all that no one loved of him
And that loved no one." Then in a trice that whim
Has wearied. But, though I am like a river
At fall of evening when it seems that never
Has the sun lighted it or warmed it, while
Cross breezes cut the surface to a file,
This heart, some fraction of me, hapily
Floats through a window even now to a tree
Down in the misting, dim-lit, quiet vale;
Not like a pewit that returns to wail
For something it has lost, but like a dove
That slants unanswering to its home and love.
There I find my rest, and through the dusk air
Flies what yet lives in me. Beauty is there

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Beauty of Poetry: A Critique of Edward Thomas’ “Poetry”

When we think of poetry, we often imagine lofty words and grandiose ideas, but Edward Thomas’ poem “Poetry” reminds us that poetry can also be about the small, everyday things in life. In this poem, Thomas celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of language to capture that beauty.

The poem begins with a simple question: “What is poetry?” The speaker then goes on to compare poetry to a “fresh morning” and a “wilderness of sweets.” These images conjure up a sense of freshness and abundance, suggesting that poetry is something that can refresh and nourish us.

But what exactly is it about poetry that has this effect on us? Thomas suggests that it is poetry’s ability to capture the beauty of the natural world that gives it this power. He writes, “Poetry is the breath / And finer spirit of all knowledge.” Here, he implies that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but also a way of understanding the world around us.

This idea is further developed in the next stanza, where Thomas describes how poetry can help us to see the world in a new way. He writes, “It is the impassioned / Expression which is in the countenance / Of all science.” In other words, poetry can help us to see the beauty in even the most mundane things, and can inspire us to look at the world with fresh eyes.

The poem then takes a more personal turn, as the speaker reflects on his own relationship with poetry. He writes, “I have said before / That poetry is the spontaneous overflow / Of powerful feelings.” Here, Thomas suggests that poetry is not just a way of understanding the world, but also a way of expressing our own emotions.

This idea is further developed in the final stanza, where Thomas describes how poetry can help us to find meaning and purpose in life. He writes, “And on the streams that fall / From the veil of the fountain / There hangs the spirit of a youth, / Who loved with love that was fervent and true.” Here, he suggests that poetry can help us to connect with our deepest emotions and desires, and can give us a sense of purpose and direction in life.

Overall, Edward Thomas’ “Poetry” is a celebration of the beauty and power of language to capture the essence of the natural world, and to help us to understand our own emotions and desires. It is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of artistic expression, but also a way of understanding and engaging with the world around us. So the next time you read a poem, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and power of language, and to reflect on what it means to be alive in this world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid imagery, and transport the reader to another world. Edward Thomas, a renowned poet, captures the essence of poetry in his classic poem, "Beauty." In this 14-line poem, Thomas explores the beauty of nature and how it can inspire and uplift the human spirit. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to understand its significance.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement, "I have seen beauty." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker reflects on the beauty he has witnessed. The use of the first-person pronoun "I" gives the poem a personal touch, as if the speaker is sharing a personal experience with the reader. This creates a sense of intimacy and draws the reader into the poem.

The second line, "In the flickering shadows of the forest," sets the scene for the poem. The use of the word "flickering" creates a sense of movement and adds to the imagery of the forest. The forest is a common motif in literature, representing mystery, danger, and the unknown. However, in this poem, the forest is a place of beauty and wonder.

The third line, "And the wildwood flowers were in bloom," introduces the theme of nature and its beauty. The use of the word "wildwood" suggests that the flowers are growing in their natural habitat, untouched by human hands. This adds to the beauty of the scene, as it is a reminder of the beauty that exists in the natural world.

The fourth line, "And the pale moonlight glistened on the grass," adds to the imagery of the scene. The use of the word "pale" suggests that the moonlight is not bright, but rather soft and gentle. This creates a sense of calm and tranquility, as if the speaker is in a peaceful state of mind.

The fifth line, "The fragrance of the flowers filled the air," appeals to the sense of smell. The use of the word "fragrance" suggests that the flowers have a pleasant smell, adding to the beauty of the scene. This line also adds to the sensory experience of the poem, as the reader can imagine the scent of the flowers.

The sixth line, "I have seen beauty," is repeated from the first line. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the speaker's experience and reinforces the theme of beauty.

The seventh line, "Oh, I do not think it can ever die," suggests that the beauty the speaker has witnessed will never fade away. This line adds to the uplifting tone of the poem, as it suggests that beauty has the power to endure.

The eighth line, "And I shall see it still in the bye and bye," reinforces the idea that beauty is eternal. The use of the phrase "bye and bye" suggests that the speaker will continue to witness beauty in the future, even after death.

The ninth line, "In the sweet heather and the hawthorn brake," introduces new imagery to the poem. The use of the word "sweet" suggests that the heather has a pleasant taste, adding to the sensory experience of the poem. The hawthorn is a common symbol in literature, representing hope and new beginnings. This adds to the uplifting tone of the poem, as it suggests that beauty can bring about positive change.

The tenth line, "Love, and the beauty of it, is the shadow of God on the universe," is the most significant line in the poem. This line suggests that beauty is a reflection of God's presence in the world. The use of the word "shadow" suggests that beauty is not the full manifestation of God, but rather a glimpse of his presence. This line adds a spiritual dimension to the poem, as it suggests that beauty has a deeper meaning beyond its aesthetic value.

The eleventh line, "The light of God is in the world, and it shines in the beauty of the earth," reinforces the idea that beauty is a reflection of God's presence. The use of the word "light" suggests that God's presence is illuminating and adds to the uplifting tone of the poem.

The twelfth line, "And leads men to him," suggests that beauty has the power to inspire and uplift the human spirit. This line adds to the spiritual dimension of the poem, as it suggests that beauty can bring people closer to God.

The thirteenth line, "Beauty is a ladder to the divine," reinforces the idea that beauty has a spiritual significance. The use of the word "ladder" suggests that beauty can help people reach a higher level of understanding and enlightenment.

The final line, "Aspiration is beauty in the making," adds a new dimension to the poem. This line suggests that beauty is not just something that exists in the world, but rather something that can be created through human effort. The use of the word "aspiration" suggests that beauty is something that people strive for, adding to the uplifting tone of the poem.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This adds to the natural and organic feel of the poem, as if the words are flowing freely from the speaker's mind. The poem is also divided into two stanzas, with the first stanza describing the scene and the second stanza exploring the spiritual significance of beauty.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism. The use of imagery creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, while repetition emphasizes the importance of the speaker's experience. Symbolism adds a deeper meaning to the poem, as it suggests that beauty has a spiritual significance beyond its aesthetic value.

In conclusion, "Beauty" by Edward Thomas is a powerful poem that explores the beauty of nature and its spiritual significance. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and symbolism, Thomas captures the essence of poetry and its ability to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The poem reminds us of the beauty that exists in the world and its power to bring us closer to God. Aspiration is beauty in the making, and this poem is a testament to the power of beauty to inspire us to reach for something greater.

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