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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

PASTORAL, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

In "Pastoral," William Meredith presents a delicate and evocative scene that encapsulates the intersection of youth, nature, and the complexities of love. The poem employs a traditional pastoral setting, using the imagery of a serene hillside in June to explore themes of innocence, desire, and the surrender of self. Meredith's nuanced language and vivid imagery create a snapshot of a moment that is both timeless and deeply personal, capturing the subtleties of a young couple's experience.

The poem opens with a simple, yet vivid description: "The girl lies down on the hill / In the grass in the sun in June." This line immediately establishes a peaceful and idyllic setting, characteristic of pastoral poetry, which often idealizes the simplicity and beauty of rural life. The use of repetition in "in the grass in the sun in June" emphasizes the languid and relaxed atmosphere, inviting the reader to visualize the scene with a sense of tranquility.

Meredith then introduces a deeper layer of meaning with the line, "Love calls for the breaking of will." This statement shifts the poem's focus from the external setting to the internal experience of the characters. It suggests that love, often seen as a harmonious and joyous force, also demands a relinquishment of control and independence. The "breaking of will" implies a surrender, a necessary submission that comes with deep emotional connection.

The young man's perspective is introduced, highlighting the internal conflict he faces: "The young man knows that soon / His will to be free must break, / And his ego, dear as a wife." This acknowledgment of an impending change suggests a recognition of the transformative power of love. The comparison of the man's ego to a wife is particularly striking, as it underscores the deep attachment and value he places on his sense of self. The notion that this ego must "break" for love indicates a significant personal sacrifice, a letting go of individual desires in favor of a shared experience.

Meredith uses a metaphorical description of the young man's hand as a "brown mistake / Lacing him into life." This line conveys a sense of self-consciousness and existential uncertainty. The "brown mistake" suggests an imperfection, perhaps alluding to the vulnerability and flaws inherent in human nature. The image of "lacing him into life" implies a binding or commitment, hinting at the complex, often messy realities of human relationships and existence.

The poem shifts back to the girl, describing her face as "blank as a flower," yet "full of the meadow's musk / And the shadow of grass, like lace." This description captures a duality in her expression and presence. The comparison to a flower suggests innocence and simplicity, while being "full of the meadow's musk" imbues her with a sensual, earthy quality. The "shadow of grass, like lace," adds a delicate and intricate texture to the scene, symbolizing the interplay of light and shadow, clarity and ambiguity in her emotions and thoughts.

The final lines, "On the hill where she wills the dusk," encapsulate the girl's quiet power and autonomy. The phrase "wills the dusk" implies a desire for the end of the day, perhaps suggesting a longing for a transition or change. Dusk, often associated with endings and the passage of time, may symbolize a yearning for maturity or a deeper understanding of the world and oneself.

"Pastoral" by William Meredith is a beautifully crafted exploration of youthful love and the inevitable tensions between personal freedom and emotional surrender. The poem's setting and imagery evoke a sense of timelessness and natural beauty, while the underlying themes of vulnerability, sacrifice, and transformation resonate with the universal human experience. Through its gentle, reflective tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of love and the subtle, often unspoken, emotions that accompany it.


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