Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Tewkesbury Road" was first published in 1913 as part of John Masefield's collection of poetry called "The Everlasting Mercy." The collection is known for its focus on rural life and the working class, and it is often cited as an important example of Masefield's use of regional dialects and colloquial language.

Content: "Tewkesbury Road" is a narrative poem that follows a traveler's journey down a country road, from the bustling town of Tewkesbury to the peaceful countryside. The poem paints a vivid picture of the changing scenery and the traveler's thoughts and emotions along the way. The first stanza sets the scene in Tewkesbury, describing the town's shops and bustling streets. The traveler then sets out on the road, passing through fields, meadows, and woods, each described in detail with Masefield's characteristic use of sensory language. The poem ends with the traveler's arrival at his destination, a peaceful village in the heart of the countryside.

Form: "Tewkesbury Road" is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into eight stanzas, each containing varying numbers of lines. Masefield's use of enjambment and caesura creates a natural flow to the poem, mirroring the traveler's journey down the winding road.

Poetic Elements: Masefield's use of sensory language is particularly notable in "Tewkesbury Road," as he describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the changing landscape. The poem is rich in imagery, such as the "purple woodbine" and "scarlet hips" in the hedgerows, and the "pinks and roses" in the gardens of the village. Masefield also uses repetition throughout the poem, particularly with the refrain "The sun goes down in blood and fire," which appears at the end of the first and last stanzas.

Summary: "Tewkesbury Road" is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the beauty and tranquility of the English countryside. Masefield's use of sensory language and vivid imagery immerses the reader in the changing landscape, and his use of repetition creates a sense of unity and continuity throughout the poem. The poem is an excellent example of Masefield's skill as a storyteller and his ability to evoke strong emotions through language. Overall, "Tewkesbury Road" is a memorable and enjoyable poem that deserves a place among Masefield's finest works.

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