Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"La Mort D'Arthur" by William Edmonstoune Aytoun is a poem that depicts the final moments of King Arthur, an iconic figure in British folklore. This poem hones in on the physical demise of Arthur, characterized by intense bodily suffering and, eventually, his loss of consciousness. Aytoun's depiction offers a solemn, tragic, and haunting portrait of this legendary king.

Aytoun uses detailed and richly evocative language to illustrate Arthur's descent into death, including such potent imagery as the "roughening wind" and "a great bank of clouds." These natural elements suggest a chaotic, turbulent environment that mirrors the internal struggle Arthur is facing. As his life ebbs away, the outside world reflects his physical and emotional turmoil.

The setting is heavily atmospheric, with Aytoun manipulating natural elements to create a somber, deathly landscape. Darkness engulfs the scene, obscuring the moon and leaving "no glimpse save starlight." The nature around Arthur becomes hostile, intensifying the poignancy of his death.

This poem is filled with a tone of melancholy and impending doom. It follows the conventions of Romanticism, marked by the sublime portrayal of nature and the emphasis on intense personal emotion. The heroism of Arthur's character is juxtaposed with his vulnerable state at the moment of his death, adding to the tragic mood of the piece.

Aytoun uses symbolism, most notably in the form of Arthur's armor. The shield rusts over while Arthur is unconscious, a symbol of his declining strength and life force. The helmet, breastplate, and greaves remain unaffected, marked by "MECHI'S SILVER STEEL," perhaps indicating the enduring legacy of Arthur's courage and kingly virtues. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the impermanence of physical prowess compared to the enduring nature of one's moral or heroic qualities.

Metaphor is another critical poetic device used in the poem. Arthur's wound, through which "the fountain of his life runs dry," is a metaphor for his life energy gradually fading away. Aytoun compares life to a fountain, an image that conveys vitality and dynamism, and its gradual draining signifies the inevitable approach of death.

The provenance of this poem lies in the wider Arthurian tradition. King Arthur is a figure from British mythology, known for his heroism and chivalry, and Aytoun's poem presents the last moments of this iconic character. In this context, the poem could be seen as an exploration of the human condition, examining the fleeting nature of life and the inevitable approach of death, even for figures as legendary as Arthur.

Overall, "La Mort D'Arthur" is a vivid and poignant exploration of death and heroism, where Aytoun uses evocative imagery, symbolism, and metaphor to portray the tragic end of a legendary figure. Through its exploration of these themes, the poem offers a profound reflection on life, legacy, and the inevitability of death.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...