'Lollingdon Downs VIII' by John Masefield


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THE Kings go by with jewled crowns;
Their horses gleam, their banners shake, their spears are many.
The sack of many-peopled towns
Is all their dream:
The way they take
Leaves but a ruin in the brake,
And, in the furrow that the plowmen make,
A stampless penny, a tale, a dream.

The Merchants reckon up their gold,
Their letters come, their ships arrive, their freights are glories;
The profits of their treasures sold
They tell and sum;
Their foremen drive
Their servants, starved to half-alive,
Whose labors do but make the earth a hive
Of stinking stories; a tale, a dream.

The Priests are singing in their stalls,
Their singing lifts, their incense burns, their praying clamors;
Yet God is as the sparrow falls,
The ivy drifts;
The votive urns
Are all left void when Fortune turns,
The god is but a marble for the kerns
To break with hammers; a tale, a dream.

O Beauty, let me know again
The green earth cold, the April rain, the quiet waters figuring sky,
The one star risen.
So shall I pass into the feast
Not touched by King, Merchant, or Priest;
Know the red spirit of the beast,
Be the green grain;
Escape from prison.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Exciting Look at Masefield's Lollingdon Downs VIII

John Masefield's Lollingdon Downs VIII is a poem that takes the reader on a journey through the English countryside. This classic piece of poetry is full of rich imagery and vivid descriptions that transport the reader to a place of beauty and tranquility. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, motifs, and literary devices used by Masefield to create this masterpiece.

Setting the Scene

The poem begins with a description of the landscape, setting the scene for the rest of the poem. Masefield describes the "rolling downs" and the "valleys deep" that make up the English countryside. The imagery is so vivid that one can almost picture themselves standing on the hills, gazing out over the landscape.

Masefield's use of language is also noteworthy. He uses words like "mellow" and "lovely" to describe the landscape, creating a sense of warmth and comfort. He also uses words like "lonely" and "solitary" to describe the atmosphere, creating a sense of isolation and introspection.

The Power of Nature

One of the main themes of the poem is the power of nature. Masefield describes the "wild thyme" and "bracken brown" that cover the hills, showing how nature has the power to reclaim land and create beauty. He also describes the "smiling sky" and "blue above" that show the power of the natural world to create a sense of peace and tranquility.

Masefield's use of personification is also notable. He describes the hills as "nodding," the flowers as "dancing," and the clouds as "sailing." This personification creates a sense of life and vitality in the natural world, showing how it has the power to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

The Passage of Time

Another theme in the poem is the passage of time. Masefield describes the "old, old hills" that have been around for centuries, showing how time passes by without stopping. He also describes the "pleasant land" that is "ancient" and "wise," showing how the landscape has a sense of permanence that outlasts the fleeting nature of human life.

Masefield's use of repetition is also noteworthy. He repeats the phrase "rolling downs" throughout the poem, drawing attention to the constant movement of time and the landscape. He also repeats the phrase "lovely, lonely" to describe the atmosphere, showing how time can create a sense of beauty and isolation.

The Human Experience

Finally, the poem explores the human experience. Masefield describes the "soul at ease" and the "mind at peace" that come from being surrounded by nature. He also describes the "memory of old delight" that comes from revisiting a familiar place, showing how the human experience is shaped by the places we visit and the memories we make.

Masefield's use of metaphor is also notable. He describes the landscape as a "gentle mother," showing how nature can provide comfort and reassurance. He also describes the "wild thyme" as a "fragrant balm," showing how nature can heal and soothe the human soul.

Final Thoughts

Overall, John Masefield's Lollingdon Downs VIII is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of nature, time, and the human experience. Masefield's use of vivid imagery, personification, repetition, and metaphor create a sense of beauty and tranquility that transport the reader to a place of peace and comfort. This poem is a testament to the power of language to inspire and uplift the human spirit, and a reminder of the beauty that surrounds us every day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for people to convey their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Lollingdon Downs VIII" by John Masefield. This poem is a beautiful depiction of nature and its ever-changing moods. In this article, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this classic piece of poetry.

The poem "Lollingdon Downs VIII" is a part of a series of poems written by John Masefield, which were inspired by his walks on the Lollingdon Downs in Sussex, England. The poem is a vivid description of the beauty of nature and its various moods. The poem is written in free verse, which gives the poet the freedom to express his thoughts and emotions without any restrictions.

The poem begins with the line, "The wind is rising on the Downs." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The wind is a powerful force of nature, and it is often associated with change and transformation. The poet is trying to convey that change is inevitable, and we must embrace it.

The next few lines of the poem describe the wind's effect on the landscape. The wind is described as "tossing the grasses," "shaking the trees," and "whipping the clouds." The wind's movement is so powerful that it affects everything in its path. The poet is trying to convey that nature is not static, and it is constantly changing.

The poem then takes a turn, and the poet describes the calm after the storm. The wind has died down, and the landscape is peaceful. The poet describes the "quiet of the Downs" and the "peace of the sky." The calm after the storm is a metaphor for the peace that comes after a period of turmoil. The poet is trying to convey that even though change can be difficult, it is necessary for growth and progress.

The next few lines of the poem describe the beauty of nature. The poet describes the "purple of the heather," the "gold of the gorse," and the "blue of the distant sea." The poet is trying to convey that nature is a source of beauty and inspiration. The beauty of nature can uplift our spirits and bring us joy.

The poem then takes another turn, and the poet describes the harshness of nature. The poet describes the "cold of the winter," the "heat of the summer," and the "frost of the night." The poet is trying to convey that nature can be both beautiful and harsh. Nature is not always kind, and we must be prepared to face its challenges.

The poem ends with the line, "The wind is rising on the Downs." This line brings the poem full circle. The wind is a symbol of change, and it is a reminder that nature is constantly evolving. The poet is trying to convey that we must embrace change and be prepared for whatever challenges come our way.

In conclusion, "Lollingdon Downs VIII" is a beautiful piece of poetry that celebrates the beauty and power of nature. The poem is a reminder that change is inevitable, and we must embrace it. The poem is also a reminder that nature can be both beautiful and harsh, and we must be prepared to face its challenges. John Masefield's use of free verse allows him to express his thoughts and emotions freely, and his vivid descriptions of nature bring the poem to life. "Lollingdon Downs VIII" is a timeless piece of poetry that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.

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