Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Bard Ethell" is a poem written by Aubrey Thomas de Vere, an Irish poet who lived from 1814 to 1902. The poem is set in thirteenth-century Ireland and tells the story of Ethell, a blind bard who serves Brian, a chieftain. Ethell expresses his loyalty to Brian and his love for those he cherishes, while also recounting historical events and reflecting on his own life and the changing times around him.Aubrey Thomas de Vere was an Irish poet and critic, known for his verse that was inspired by religious, historical, and mythological themes. He is highly regarded for his lyric and narrative poetry.

Main Points: The poem starts with a woman who is about to be married into a new clan, with the task of uniting two clans. The protagonist expresses her sadness as she leaves her mother's home and steps into a new and unfamiliar life. As she says goodbye to familiar scenes and elements of her life (redbreast bird, the old ladder, her goat, the nurse and mother, her heifer, her wolfhound, her cygnet), the sadness and fear of the unknown continue to increase. She expresses fear and anxiety about her future husband, comparing him to the giant Balor, a figure from Irish mythology known for his destructive eye. The protagonist wishes for the wedding day to end, expressing her reluctance and anxiety towards this marriage.

Themes:

Fear of the Unknown: The woman's fear of the future, the unfamiliar clan, and her new husband.

Nostalgia and Loss: A deep sense of loss is expressed throughout the poem as the protagonist bids farewell to her previous life.

Tradition and Duty: The poem speaks of the tradition of arranged marriages and the duty of a woman to follow through, despite her personal feelings.

Poetic Devices:

Repetition: The repetition of "my mother's door" emphasizes the protagonist's attachment to her home and the reluctance to leave.

Simile: The protagonist compares her husband-to-be to the giant Balor, a destructive figure in Irish mythology, to highlight her fear and apprehension.

Personification: The redbreast bird, the ladder, the leaf, the goat, the wolfhound are all given human-like attributes, deepening the connection and familiarity she has with her home.

Conclusion: "The Wedding of the Clans" offers a poignant look at the emotional turmoil a woman experiences on her wedding day, especially when the marriage is one of duty and not love. The protagonist's fear of the unknown, her deep attachment to her home, and her reluctance to accept the impending changes offer a profound commentary on the impact of societal norms and traditions on individual lives.

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