'Towards The Imminent Days (Section 4)' by Les Murray


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In my aunt's house, the milk jug's beaded crochet cover
tickles the ear. We've eaten boiled things with butter.Pie spiced like islands, dissolving in cream, is now
dissolving in us. We've reached the teapot of calm.The table we sit at is fashioned of three immense
beech boards out of England. The minute widths of the year
have been refined in the wood by daughters' daughters.In the year of Nelson, I notice, the winter was mild.But our talk is cattle and cricket. My quiet uncle
has spent the whole forenoon sailing a stump-ridden field
of blady-grass and Pleistocene clay never ploughedsince the world's beginning. The Georgic furrow lengthensin ever more intimate country. But we're talking bails,
stray cattle, brands. In the village of Merchandise Creek
there's a post in a ruined blacksmith shop that bears
a charred-in black-letter script of iron characters,hooks, bars, conjoined letters, a weird bush syllabary.It is the language of property seared into skin
but descends beyond speech into the muscles of cattle,the world of feed as it shimmers in cattle minds.My uncle, nodding, identifies the owners
(I gather M-bar was mourned by thousands of head).
It has its roots in meadows deeper than Gaelic,my uncle's knowledge. Farmers longest in heavenshare slyly with him in my aunt's grave mischievous smile
that shines out of every object in my sight
in these loved timber rooms at the threshold of grass.
The depth in this marriage will heal the twentieth century.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Les Murray's "Towards The Imminent Days": A Celebration of Australian Culture and Identity

Les Murray's "Towards The Imminent Days" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Australia and explores its unique identity. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the fourth section of the poem and explore its themes, language, and imagery.

Overview of "Towards The Imminent Days"

"Towards The Imminent Days" is a long poem that is divided into six sections. The poem is written in free verse and has a distinctly Australian flavour. Murray explores a range of themes in the poem, including the natural environment, Aboriginal culture, European settlement, and Australian identity. The poem is a celebration of the diversity and complexity of Australia and its people.

Section 4: The Arrival of the First Fleet

Section 4 of the poem deals with the arrival of the First Fleet in Australia, and the impact that this event had on the country and its people. The section is structured around a series of vignettes, each of which explores a different aspect of the arrival of the First Fleet.

Language and Imagery

Murray's use of language and imagery is particularly powerful in this section of the poem. He uses vivid descriptions of the natural environment to create a sense of place and to evoke the harshness and beauty of the Australian landscape. For example, he describes the "gums, boulders, sun" and the "craggy, high, blue line" of the mountains. These descriptions conjure up images of a rugged and wild landscape that is both awe-inspiring and intimidating.

Murray also uses powerful imagery to explore the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet on the Aboriginal people. He describes the "black fish" that "twitched on the river's dapple" and the "spears" that were "left to rust". These images convey a sense of loss and sadness, as well as the sense of injustice that was inflicted upon the Aboriginal people.

Themes

One of the key themes in this section of the poem is the clash between the European settlers and the Aboriginal people. Murray explores this theme through his use of imagery and language, as well as through the vignettes. He shows how the arrival of the First Fleet changed the landscape of Australia and had a profound impact on the Aboriginal people.

Another theme that is explored in this section is the idea of identity. Murray suggests that Australia's identity is shaped by its history, and that the arrival of the First Fleet was a defining moment in this history. He suggests that the different cultures and peoples that make up Australia have contributed to its identity, and that this identity is constantly evolving.

Literary Criticism

Murray's "Towards The Imminent Days" is an important work of Australian literature that offers a unique perspective on the country and its people. The poem is a celebration of Australia's cultural diversity and explores some of the key themes and issues that have shaped its history.

One of the strengths of the poem is its use of language and imagery. Murray's descriptions of the natural environment are particularly powerful, and he uses these descriptions to create a sense of place and to evoke the mood and tone of the poem. His use of imagery to explore the impact of the arrival of the First Fleet on the Aboriginal people is also particularly effective, and he manages to convey a sense of loss and sadness in a very powerful way.

Another strength of the poem is its exploration of identity. Murray suggests that Australia's identity is shaped by its history, and that the different cultures and peoples that make up the country have contributed to this identity. He also suggests that this identity is constantly evolving, and that it is important for Australians to embrace their cultural heritage and to celebrate their diversity.

Conclusion

Les Murray's "Towards The Imminent Days" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores some of the key themes and issues that have shaped Australia's history and identity. The fourth section of the poem is particularly powerful, and Murray's use of language and imagery is particularly effective in conveying a sense of place and mood. Overall, this is an important work of Australian literature that deserves to be celebrated and studied.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Towards The Imminent Days (Section 4) by Les Murray is a classic piece of poetry that captures the essence of the human experience. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language used in this poem to understand its significance and impact on the literary world.

The poem begins with the line, "The world is hungry for new things." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it highlights the human desire for change and progress. Murray acknowledges that the world is constantly evolving, and there is a need for new ideas and perspectives to keep up with the changing times.

The first stanza of the poem focuses on the natural world and its beauty. Murray describes the "greening grass" and "the sun's gold" as he paints a picture of a serene and peaceful environment. However, he also acknowledges the destructive power of nature, as he mentions the "storm's black" and "the flood's brown." This contrast between the beauty and destruction of nature highlights the duality of life and the need for balance.

In the second stanza, Murray shifts his focus to the human experience. He describes the "crowded cities" and the "busy streets" as he acknowledges the hustle and bustle of modern life. He also mentions the "factory's roar" and the "train's clatter," which represent the industrialization and progress of society. However, he also acknowledges the negative impact of this progress, as he mentions the "smoke's grey" and the "rubbish's stink." This contrast between progress and pollution highlights the need for responsible development and sustainable living.

The third stanza of the poem focuses on the human desire for change and progress. Murray acknowledges that humans are always looking for something new and exciting, as he mentions the "newspaper's print" and the "radio's voice." He also acknowledges the power of technology, as he mentions the "television's flicker" and the "computer's hum." However, he also warns against the dangers of becoming too reliant on technology, as he mentions the "screen's glare" and the "keyboard's click." This contrast between the benefits and drawbacks of technology highlights the need for responsible use and moderation.

The final stanza of the poem focuses on the role of poetry in society. Murray acknowledges that poetry has the power to inspire and uplift, as he mentions the "poet's word" and the "song's tune." He also acknowledges the importance of preserving tradition and culture, as he mentions the "ancestor's voice" and the "heritage's pride." However, he also warns against the dangers of becoming too nostalgic and resistant to change, as he mentions the "old ways' grip" and the "tradition's weight." This contrast between tradition and innovation highlights the need for a balance between preserving the past and embracing the future.

The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of the human experience. The use of contrast and repetition throughout the poem creates a sense of balance and harmony, as it highlights the duality of life and the need for balance. The language used in the poem is simple and accessible, with a focus on concrete images and sensory details. This makes the poem relatable and easy to understand, while also allowing the reader to connect with the emotions and themes presented.

In conclusion, Poetry Towards The Imminent Days (Section 4) by Les Murray is a classic piece of poetry that captures the essence of the human experience. Through its focus on the natural world, human experience, desire for change and progress, and the role of poetry in society, the poem highlights the duality of life and the need for balance. The simple structure and accessible language make the poem relatable and easy to understand, while also allowing the reader to connect with the emotions and themes presented. Overall, this poem is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and uplift readers today.

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