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THE FAIRIES, by                 Poet's Biography

"The Fairies" is a poem written by William Allingham, an Irish poet and editor, who lived from 1824 to 1889. The poem was first published in his collection of poetry, "Poems" in 1850. It is a lyrical ballad that describes the world of the fairies and their magical kingdom.

Allingham was an important figure in the Irish literary scene of the mid-nineteenth century. He was a close friend of writers such as Alfred Tennyson and Dante Gabriel Rossetti, and he was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. He was also the editor of Fraser's Magazine, one of the leading literary publications of the time.

"The Fairies" is one of Allingham's most famous works, and it has been widely anthologized and adapted into music and art. The poem has been praised for its vivid imagery and its evocation of the fairy world, which was a popular subject in nineteenth-century literature and art.

 

Context:

William Allingham was an Irish poet who lived during the Victorian era. He was known for his lyrical and descriptive poems that often explored themes of nature, love, and Irish folklore. "The Fairies" is one of his most famous poems and reflects his fascination with Irish mythology and the supernatural world.

Content:

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone, with the speaker describing how they "daren't go a-hunting for fear of little men," creating a sense of fear and reverence for the wee folk. Allingham then describes the fairies as trooping all together, wearing green jackets, red caps, and white owl feathers, painting a vivid picture of their appearance.

The poem then goes on to describe different locations where the fairies are said to live, such as the rocky shore, black mountain-lake, and high on the hill-top where the old King sits. Allingham uses vivid descriptions and lyrical language to evoke the beauty and mystery of these places, creating a sense of awe in the reader.

The poem also contains a cautionary tale about the fairies' mischief, as they are said to have stolen little Bridget for seven years and kept her deep within the lake. Allingham's use of the phrase "dead with sorrow" is a powerful and emotive image, suggesting that the fairy's actions have caused great pain and suffering.

The final stanza of the poem contains a warning to anyone who might try to interfere with the fairies, as Allingham describes how they have planted thorn-trees for their own pleasure, and anyone who tries to dig them up will find themselves with a bed full of thorns.

Form:

"The Fairies" is a ballad, a form of poetry that typically tells a story in a simple and direct way. It consists of six stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a strict rhyme scheme of ABAB. The ballad form is well-suited to Allingham's subject matter, as it allows him to tell a story in a concise and rhythmic way, and creates a sense of simplicity and immediacy.

Poetic Elements:

Allingham uses several poetic devices to create a sense of enchantment and wonder in "The Fairies." One of the most prominent is imagery, as he uses vivid descriptions of the fairies and their world to create a sense of beauty and mystery. He also uses repetition, particularly in the first stanza, to create a sense of rhythm and pattern in the poem. Allingham also uses personification, particularly in the description of the fairies as "wee folk" and in the anthropomorphization of the thorn-trees. Finally, he uses a cautionary tale to remind the reader of the power and danger of the fairy world, emphasizing the importance of respect and caution when dealing with the supernatural.

Summary:

Overall, "The Fairies" is a charming and whimsical poem that celebrates the mystical and magical world of Irish folklore and mythology. Allingham's use of vivid imagery and lyrical language creates a sense of wonder and delight in the reader, while the cautionary tale about the fairies' mischief reminds us to respect their power and mystery.


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