Happy the man, whose wish and care
A few paternal acres bound,
Content to breathe his native air,
In his own ground.
Whose heards with milk, whose fields with bread,
Whose flocks supply him with attire,
Whose trees in summer yield him shade,
In winter fire.
Blest! who can unconcern'dly find
Hours, days, and years slide soft away,
In health of body, peace of mind,
Quiet by day,
Sound sleep by night; study and ease
Together mix'd; sweet recreation,
And innocence, which most does please,
With meditation.
Thus let me live, unseen, unknown;
Thus unlamented let me dye;
Steal from the world, and not a stone
Tell where I lye.
This is an ode written by Alexander Pope. He is talking about the simple life of a farmer and how happy the farmer is to just live off the land and live a happy, uncomplicated life. The poet uses simple words and phrases to create the image of the relaxed and idyllic life the farmer leads. The literary devices used here include alliteration in the phrases "sound sleep" and "unseen unknown", imagery in the lines "Whose heards with milk, whose fields with bread, Whose flocks supply him with attire, Whose trees in summer yield him shade, In winter fire". The poet also uses hyperbole in the line "Steal from the world, and not a stone, Tell where I lye". This ode fits in with my theme because it shows the nature of simplicity.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I like this poem choice, mostly because of how simple and relaxing the poet makes it seem and how it relaxed me after reading it. I like how in the last stanza it says "Thus let me live, unseen, unknown", because it made me think that he doesn't want anyone bothering him and he just wants to live in peace. Also, good job in relating to your theme!
ReplyDeletei really enjoyed the simplicity of this poem. i like the line "thus let me live, unseen, unknown", because it makes the reader feel like he is alone, and it creates a really relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. good pick for an ode!
ReplyDeleteSounds pretty pastoral to me, reminds me of times on my father's family farm. The natural beauty of the landscape is captured quite well here and brings you there. Great poem.
ReplyDelete-Sam
I really like the idea of how the author used very simple language to add to the idea of a farmer's life being very simplistic. I also really like the imagery in this poem as it allows the reader to picture a farmer just living a simple life on his farm. As well, I like the use of the descriptive adjectives in this poem. Nice pick!
ReplyDeleteI likes the repetition of Whose in the second stanza, and the repition of Thus in the 4th stanza. I think that the use of simplistic language makes it very easy to understand, and also very easy to relate to the simple life of the farmer.
ReplyDeleteGreat pick! I agree with Sam that this is a pastoral. I like the rhyme scheme and simplistic nature of the poem. There is great imagery in the poem and I like the image of the farmer sitting and living through life year by year on his farm. Good job!
ReplyDeleteI love this poem. I really like how the descriptions are made, and the simplicity of the poem. It uses simple words and phrases in an effective way, to evoke a very calm, relaxing time. Great choice.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I can see there is a fair amount of repitition "whose heards...whose fields, whose flock, whose trees etc" also "thus let me live...thus unlamented" and "let me live" contrasted with "let me die." There is a little alliteration "sound sleep by night, study and ease."
ReplyDelete