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.

Structure: "Bard Ethell" is a narrative poem composed of multiple stanzas, each containing varying numbers of lines. The poem does not follow a consistent rhyme scheme, but rather employs occasional end rhymes and internal rhymes. This irregular structure contributes to the natural flow and conversational tone of the poem.

Themes:

Loyalty and Love: Ethell's unwavering loyalty to Brian, his chieftain, underscores the theme of loyalty. His devotion to those he loves, including his admiration for Norna, further emphasizes the power of love and devotion in the face of challenges and changing circumstances.

Reflection on History: Ethell's contemplation of past kings, particularly his praise of King Malachi and criticism of a later king, reflects the theme of reflecting on history. It highlights the importance of wise and just leadership and the consequences of unwise actions.

Transience and Legacy: The theme of transience is explored through Ethell's musings on the fleeting nature of human deeds. The poem emphasizes the enduring impact of Christ's sacrifice on the cross as the ultimate legacy that transcends the temporal world.

Change and Tradition: Ethell's struggle to reconcile the changing times with his traditional values and beliefs presents the theme of change and tradition. The tension between embracing new ideas and holding onto cherished customs becomes a source of reflection and contemplation for the bard.

Poetic Devices:

Imagery: De Vere employs vivid imagery throughout the poem, using descriptive language to paint visual pictures of the natural surroundings, such as the heron flapping heavily, the crow flying homeward, and the wild duck cutting through the calm mere. This imagery enriches the sensory experience for the reader.

Symbolism: Characters and historical references in the poem symbolize virtues and consequences. For instance, King Malachi symbolizes wisdom and just rule, while the subsequent king represents the negative consequences of unwise leadership choices.

Metaphor: Ethell's blindness serves as a metaphor for his limited physical sight but heightened spiritual insight. It suggests that true vision goes beyond physical eyesight and involves perceiving the deeper truths of the world.

Repetition: The repetition of certain phrases and lines throughout the poem serves to emphasize their significance and create a rhythmic and melodic effect. It also helps to reinforce key ideas and themes.

Conclusion: "Bard Ethell" is a complex and richly layered poem that explores themes of loyalty, love, reflection on history, transience, legacy, and the tension between change and tradition. Aubrey Thomas de Vere employs various poetic devices such as imagery, symbolism, metaphor, and repetition to enhance the poem's depth and evoke an emotional response in the reader. By delving into the intricacies of the poem's structure, themes, and poetic devices, we can better appreciate the profound insights and artistic craftsmanship of "Bard Ethell."

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