Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sea is Kind (The Goatherd and Shepherd)" is a poem by Thomas Sturge Moore, first published in 1913. The poem is a pastoral meditation on the beauty and power of nature, as well as the themes of love and mortality.

Context:

Moore was a poet and artist associated with the British Arts and Crafts movement, which sought to elevate the importance of craftsmanship and traditional arts in the face of industrialization. This movement emphasized the importance of beauty and the natural world, themes that are present in "Sea is Kind (The Goatherd and Shepherd)."

Content:

"Sea is Kind (The Goatherd and Shepherd)" is a poem about two men, a goatherd and a shepherd, who sit by the sea and contemplate the natural world. The poem explores themes of mortality, love, and the power of nature. The poem's refrain, "The sea is kind," emphasizes the soothing and restorative power of nature.

Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no set rhyme scheme. This reflects the naturalistic and improvisational style of the poem, which seeks to evoke the spontaneous beauty of the natural world.

Poetic Elements:

Moore uses vivid imagery and sensory language to create a sense of the beauty and power of nature. He describes the sea as "burnished" and "flashing," and the waves as "jewelled." These descriptions create a sense of the sea as a powerful and beautiful force that can both awe and soothe the human spirit.

Summary:

"Sea is Kind (The Goatherd and Shepherd)" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and power of nature. Moore's use of vivid imagery and sensory language creates a sense of emotional depth and resonance, and his exploration of themes such as mortality and love speak to the enduring power of human experience.

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