Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Axe Handles" is a poem by Gary Snyder, originally published in his book "Turtle Island" in 1974. The poem addresses the relationship between a father and son, and the passing of knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next.

Explanation:

The poem opens with the speaker recalling a memory of his father teaching him how to make axe handles out of a piece of wood. The speaker reflects on the passing of knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next, and the importance of preserving this knowledge.

The poem then shifts to a conversation between the speaker and his son, as they work together to make axe handles. The son questions the value of this skill in the modern world, and the speaker responds by emphasizing the importance of learning practical skills and maintaining a connection to the natural world. The poem concludes with the speaker reflecting on the passing of time, and the cycle of life and death that is reflected in the natural world.

Poetic elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Tradition, passing of knowledge, connection to nature
• Imagery: Wood, axes, nature, family
• Tone: Reflective, contemplative
• Sound: Alliteration, repetition
• Language: Conversational, simple, descriptive
• Figurative language: Metaphor, personification
• Structure: Divided into three sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the theme
• Symbolism: Axe handles as a symbol of tradition and connection to the natural world
• Emotion: A sense of nostalgia and reverence for the past, and a concern for the future

Conclusion:

"Axe Handles" is a contemplative poem that emphasizes the importance of preserving traditional knowledge and skills, and maintaining a connection to the natural world. Through the relationship between a father and son, the poem highlights the passing of knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next, and the role that practical skills can play in a modern world that often values technology and convenience over tradition and craftsmanship.

Poem Snippet::

"I am an axe / And my son a handle, soon / To be shaping again, model / And tool, craft of culture,"