Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Hermes of the Ways" is a poem by Hilda Doolittle, also known as H.D. The poem was first published in her 1916 collection "Sea Garden".

Explanation:

The poem is about the Greek god Hermes, who is associated with travel, commerce, and communication. It describes Hermes as a guide or messenger, leading the way for travelers and helping them navigate difficult terrain. The poem also touches on the themes of movement, change, and transformation.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no discernible rhyme scheme.
• Theme: The main themes of the poem are travel, guidance, and transformation.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world and the actions of Hermes. Examples include "rocky crevice", "sea-worn boulder", and "shadowy pine".
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reverent and mystical, as the speaker describes Hermes as a divine guide and messenger.
• Sound: The poem uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical quality. Examples include "hewn in thy craggy", "sharp air", and "frosty under".
• Language: The language is formal and poetic, with archaic words like "thou" and "thy" adding to the mystical tone.
• Figurative Language: The poem uses metaphor and personification to describe Hermes and his actions. For example, he is described as "divine", "swift", and "subtle".
• Structure: The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with irregular line lengths. The stanzas are not uniform in length or structure.
• Symbolism: Hermes is a symbol of travel, commerce, and communication, as well as guidance and transformation.
• Emotion: The poem evokes a sense of wonder and reverence, as the speaker describes the divine figure of Hermes and his actions.

Conclusion:

"Hermes of the Ways" is a mystical and reverent poem that explores themes of travel, guidance, and transformation through the figure of the Greek god Hermes. The use of vivid imagery, figurative language, and musical sound create a sense of wonder and reverence, making the poem a celebration of the divine and the natural world.

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