Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Fairlyland," a poem written by Andrew Lang, immerses the reader in a world that evokes a sense of nostalgia, loss, and longing. As a renowned anthropologist and a well-known folklorist, Lang had a deep fascination with myth and the supernatural, which is evident in the thematic fabric of this poem.

Theme Analysis:

The poem is steeped in themes of nostalgia, romantic longing, and the idyllic charm of the supernatural. It explores the allure of a fairyland that seems to be frozen in a perpetual summer, free from the burdens and pains of real-world existence. The fairyland is depicted as an idealized world where time, age, and disappointment are non-existent, in stark contrast to the human world. However, this idyllic portrayal is juxtaposed with an underlying sense of sorrow, reflecting the poet's longing to return to this mythical world and his lost love - the Fairy Queen.

Provenance and Context:

Written during the Victorian period, "Fairyland" showcases Lang's keen interest in folklore and mythology. The Fairyland depicted here echoes the Celtic tales of the Otherworld, an idyllic realm inhabited by fairies, and the poem itself is likely influenced by these traditions. The Eildon tree mentioned in the poem could be a reference to Eildon Hill, a place in Scotland often associated with legends and folklore.

Poetic Devices:

Lang's use of vivid and evocative imagery is a dominant poetic device in "Fairyland". He constructs a dreamy, otherworldly realm through descriptions of nature that are simultaneously surreal and palpable. The mention of the "constant prime of a green June" and the "slumbrous...river's tune" enhances the imagery of an eternal, undying world.

The poem also employs a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme, giving it a musical quality that complements its dreamlike, mythical subject matter.

Lang also employs personification and symbolism to enhance the poem's themes. The Fairy Queen symbolizes an idealized, elusive love, while the fairyland represents a longing for a world free from pain and suffering. The personification of abstract ideas such as time and seasons helps create a vivid depiction of the fairyland.

Lastly, Lang's use of rhetorical questions in the first stanza sets a contemplative tone for the poem, questioning the fleeting nature of human experience and contrasting it with the timeless beauty of fairyland.

In conclusion, "Fairyland" by Andrew Lang is a poignant exploration of longing, loss, and the enchanting allure of the mythical. Through the use of vivid imagery, rhyme, and symbolic representation, Lang successfully transports the reader into a world where reality and the supernatural intersect, offering a profound meditation on the human condition and our innate longing for the unattainable.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...