'Andrew Jones' by William Wordsworth


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I hate that Andrew Jones; he'll breed
His children up to waste and pillage.
I wish the press-gang or the drum
With its tantara sound would come,
And sweep him from the village!

I said not this, because he loves
Through the long day to swear and tipple;
But for the poor dear sake of one
To whom a foul deed he had done,
A friendless man, a travelling cripple!

For this poor crawling helpless wretch,
Some horseman who was passing by,
A penny on the ground had thrown;
But the poor cripple was alone
And could not stoop--no help was nigh.

Inch-thick the dust lay on the ground
For it had long been droughty weather;
So with his staff the cripple wrought
Among the dust till he had brought
The half-pennies together.

It chanced that Andrew passed that way
Just at the time; and there he found
The cripple in the mid-day heat
Standing alone, and at his feet
He saw the penny on the ground.

He stopped and took the penny up:
And when the cripple nearer drew,
Quoth Andrew, "Under half-a-crown,
What a man finds is all his own,
And so, my Friend, good-day to you."

And 'hence' I said, that Andrew's boys
Will all be trained to waste and pillage;
And wished the press-gang, or the drum
With its tantara sound, would come
And sweep him from the village.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Andrew Jones: An Interpretation

William Wordsworth's poem, "Andrew Jones," is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of human emotions and experiences in a unique way. At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple story of a man who lost his son, but upon closer inspection, it reveals a much deeper meaning and interpretation.

The Plot

The poem is about a man named Andrew Jones who lost his son, and he is now grieving over his loss. The poem opens with a description of Andrew's physical appearance, which shows that he is old and physically weak. The narrator then describes how Andrew's grief has affected him, saying that he now spends most of his time alone in his cottage, where he "sits and sighs and looks upon the ground."

The poem then shifts to a flashback, where we see Andrew with his son, who is described as "the only being that could make Andrew Jones forget his grief." The son is seen as a playful and happy child who brings joy and happiness to his father's life. However, tragedy strikes when the son dies, leaving Andrew broken-hearted and alone.

The poem ends with Andrew still grieving over his loss, but finding some solace in the fact that his son is now in a better place, where he is free from pain and suffering.

The Theme

The theme of the poem is the fragility of life and the pain of loss. The poem shows how one event can change a person's life forever, and how grief can consume a person to the point where they lose touch with the world around them.

The poem also explores the idea of death and the afterlife. Andrew finds some comfort in the idea that his son is now in a better place, where he is free from the pain and suffering of this world.

The Style

The poem is written in the style of Romanticism, which was a literary movement that flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Romanticism emphasized emotion, imagination, and individualism, and these themes are evident in "Andrew Jones."

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a clear and concise narrative. The use of language is also simple and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand and connect with the emotions of the characters.

The Interpretation

The poem can be interpreted in many ways, depending on the reader's perspective and personal experiences. One interpretation is that the poem is about the importance of family and the pain of losing a loved one. Andrew's grief over his son's death shows how much he loved and valued his son, and how much he misses him.

Another interpretation is that the poem is about the power of nature and the healing properties of the natural world. The description of Andrew's cottage and the surrounding countryside shows how nature can provide comfort and solace to a grieving person.

Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a reflection on the human condition and the inevitability of death. The poem shows how death is a part of life, and how we must all eventually come to terms with our own mortality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Andrew Jones" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of grief, loss, and the fragility of life. Through the story of Andrew Jones, William Wordsworth has created a work of literature that is both deeply emotional and intellectually stimulating. Whether read as an exploration of human emotion, a reflection on the power of nature, or a meditation on the human condition, "Andrew Jones" is a timeless work of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

William Wordsworth’s “Andrew Jones” is a classic poem that tells the story of a man who is sentenced to death for stealing sheep. The poem is a powerful commentary on the justice system of the time and the harsh realities of life for those who lived in poverty. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with a description of Andrew Jones, a man who is “strong and of a sturdy frame” but who has “a wild and roving eye.” This description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that Andrew is a man who is both physically strong and mentally unstable. The use of the word “roving” also suggests that Andrew is a wanderer, someone who is always on the move and never stays in one place for too long.

The next stanza describes Andrew’s crime, which is stealing sheep. The poem notes that Andrew was caught “with a single lamb” and that he was sentenced to death for his crime. This is a powerful commentary on the justice system of the time, which was often harsh and unforgiving. The fact that Andrew was sentenced to death for stealing a single lamb suggests that the punishment did not fit the crime.

The poem then shifts to a description of Andrew’s family, who are left behind after his execution. The poem notes that Andrew had a wife and children, who are now left to fend for themselves. This is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life for those who lived in poverty. The fact that Andrew’s family is left behind without any support suggests that the social safety net of the time was inadequate.

The poem then shifts to a description of Andrew’s final moments. The poem notes that Andrew is “led forth to die” and that he is “calm and free from fear.” This is a powerful commentary on the human spirit and the ability to find peace in the face of death. Despite the fact that Andrew is about to be executed, he remains calm and free from fear, suggesting that he has come to terms with his fate.

The poem then shifts to a description of the aftermath of Andrew’s execution. The poem notes that the “village did not breathe a sigh” and that life went on as usual. This is a powerful commentary on the indifference of society to the plight of those who are less fortunate. The fact that the village did not even breathe a sigh suggests that Andrew’s execution was seen as just and that his life was not valued.

The poem then ends with a powerful commentary on the human spirit. The poem notes that “the soul that rises with us, our life’s star, hath had elsewhere its setting, and cometh from afar.” This is a powerful commentary on the idea that the human spirit is eternal and that death is not the end. The fact that Andrew’s soul is compared to a star suggests that he is now a part of something greater than himself.

In terms of imagery, the poem is filled with powerful images that help to convey its deeper meaning. The use of the word “roving” to describe Andrew’s eye suggests that he is a wanderer, someone who is always on the move and never stays in one place for too long. The use of the word “calm” to describe Andrew’s final moments suggests that he has come to terms with his fate and is at peace with himself. The use of the word “star” to describe Andrew’s soul suggests that he is now a part of something greater than himself.

In terms of language, the poem is written in a simple and straightforward style that is easy to understand. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase “led forth to die,” helps to emphasize the poem’s message. The use of alliteration, such as the repetition of the “s” sound in the phrase “strong and of a sturdy frame,” helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow.

In conclusion, William Wordsworth’s “Andrew Jones” is a powerful poem that explores the themes of justice, poverty, and the human spirit. Through its use of imagery and language, the poem conveys a deeper meaning that is both timeless and relevant to our lives today. As we read this poem, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in our interactions with others.

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