'A Peasant' by R.S. Thomas


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Iago 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.


Submitted by Andrew Mayers

Editor 1 Interpretation

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

A Peasant by R.S. Thomas is a poem that speaks to the human condition. It is a work that captures the essence of what it means to be human, to struggle, to hope, to love, and ultimately, to die. The poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, an exploration of the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of life.

The poem begins with a simple description of a peasant, "He was a peasant". This opening line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it immediately establishes the subject matter and the perspective from which the poem will be presented. The peasant in question is presented in a way that is both specific and universal. He is a real person, with a name and a history, but he is also an archetype, a symbol of the common man.

The poem goes on to describe the peasant's life, his work, his family, and his struggles. We learn that he is poor, that he works hard, that he has many children, and that he is constantly struggling to make ends meet. But despite all of this, he remains hopeful, he loves his family, and he finds meaning in his work. He is a complex and multifaceted character, a true reflection of the human experience.

One of the most striking things about A Peasant is the way in which it is written. R.S. Thomas was a master of language, and his use of words and imagery in this poem is nothing short of breathtaking. The poem is full of vivid descriptions and powerful metaphors, such as when the peasant is described as "a seed in the furrow", or when his life is compared to "a candle in the wind". These metaphors are not only beautiful and evocative, but they also serve to deepen our understanding of the peasant and his life.

Another aspect of the poem that is particularly impressive is the way in which it deals with the themes of faith and religion. R.S. Thomas was a Welsh clergyman, and his poetry is heavily influenced by his Christian beliefs. In A Peasant, we see this influence in the way that the peasant's life is presented as a kind of spiritual journey. He is constantly searching for meaning and purpose, and he finds it in his work and in his family. But he also finds it in his faith, in his belief in God and in the afterlife.

The poem also deals with the theme of death, which is presented as a natural and inevitable part of life. The peasant knows that he will die, but he is not afraid. He finds comfort in the knowledge that he will be reunited with his loved ones in heaven. This acceptance of death is a powerful reminder of the importance of living in the present, of cherishing every moment we have on this earth.

Overall, A Peasant by R.S. Thomas is a work of great depth and beauty. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that is both universal and deeply personal. It is a reminder of the importance of faith, family, and hard work, and a celebration of the resilience and strength of the human spirit. It is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and a work that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Peasant: A Masterpiece of R.S. Thomas

R.S. Thomas, a Welsh poet, is known for his profound and insightful poetry that reflects the harsh realities of life. His poem, "A Peasant," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the struggles of the working class. The poem is a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of the rural Welsh community. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem "A Peasant" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a peasant who is struggling to make ends meet. The poem is set in a rural Welsh community where the peasants work hard to earn a living. The poem begins with a description of the peasant's life. The poet describes the peasant as a man who works hard in the fields from dawn to dusk. The peasant's life is a constant struggle, and he is always tired and worn out.

The poet then goes on to describe the peasant's family. The peasant has a wife and children who are also struggling to survive. The poet describes the peasant's wife as a woman who works hard in the fields alongside her husband. The children are also working in the fields, and they are not able to attend school. The poet paints a picture of a family that is struggling to survive in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

The poem then takes a turn as the poet describes the peasant's encounter with a wealthy landowner. The landowner is described as a man who is rich and powerful. The landowner is riding on a horse, and he stops to talk to the peasant. The landowner asks the peasant why he is working so hard when he could be enjoying life. The peasant replies that he has to work hard to feed his family. The landowner then offers the peasant a job as a servant in his house. The peasant accepts the offer, and he leaves his family to work for the landowner.

The poem then takes another turn as the poet describes the peasant's life as a servant. The peasant is now living in a luxurious house, and he is no longer working in the fields. However, the peasant is not happy. He misses his family, and he feels like he has lost his identity. The poet describes the peasant as a man who is lost and confused. The peasant is no longer a peasant, but he is not a member of the landowner's family either.

The poem ends with a powerful message. The poet describes the peasant as a man who has lost his soul. The peasant has lost his connection to the land and to his family. The poet suggests that the peasant's life as a servant is not a life worth living. The poet suggests that the peasant's life as a peasant, although hard, was a life that had meaning and purpose.

The poem "A Peasant" is a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of the rural Welsh community. The poem highlights the struggles of the working class and the harsh realities of life. The poem is a reminder that life is not always fair, and that some people have to work harder than others just to survive.

The poem also raises important questions about identity and purpose. The peasant in the poem is a man who has lost his identity and his purpose. The poet suggests that the peasant's life as a servant is not a life worth living because the peasant has lost his connection to the land and to his family. The poem is a reminder that our identity and our purpose are closely tied to our connection to the land and to our community.

In conclusion, "A Peasant" is a masterpiece of R.S. Thomas. The poem is a powerful commentary on the social and economic conditions of the rural Welsh community. The poem highlights the struggles of the working class and the harsh realities of life. The poem is a reminder that life is not always fair, and that some people have to work harder than others just to survive. The poem also raises important questions about identity and purpose. The poem is a reminder that our identity and our purpose are closely tied to our connection to the land and to our community.

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