Why does only one of R. S. Thomas' poems conform to traditional poetic devices?

Question

R.S. Thomas was a Welsh poet who worked between 1942 until his death in 2000. His poems are almost exclusively modern in structure, in the sense that they eschew meter and rhyme in favour of a more prose-like structure. Here's a short example: > Looking upon this tree with its quaint pretension > Of holding the earth, a leveret, in its claws, > Or marking the texture of its living bark, > A grey sea wrinkled by the winds of years, > I understand whence this man's body comes, > In veins and fibres, the bare boughs of bone, > The trellised thicket, where the heart, that robin, > Greets with a song the seasons of the blood. > > > But where in meadow or mountain shall I match > The individual accent of the speech > That is the ear's familiar? To what sun attribute > The honeyed warmness of his smile? > To which of the deciduous brood is germane > The angel peeping from the latticed eye? One of his poems, however, is quite different in structure: > One night of tempest I arose and went > Along the Menai shore on dreaming bent; > The wind was strong, and savage swung the tide, > And the waves blustered on Caernarvon side. > > But in the morrow, when I passed that way, > On Menai’s shore the hush of heaven lay; > The wind was gentle and the sea a flower, > And the sun slumbered on Caernavon tower. Why does this - and, as far as I can tell only this - poem, entitled *Night and Morning*, among his work conform to traditional poetic structures?

Answer 1

Let’s explore why R. S. Thomas’ poem Night and Morning is unique among his works in that it conforms to traditional poetic structures.

1. Contrast with Modern Style: First, it’s important to recognize the overall style of Thomas’s poetry. Most of his poems are written in a modern style, utilizing free verse that eschews traditional meter and rhyme. This gives his work a more prose-like quality. In contrast, Night and Morning employs a structured form, which suggests a deliberate choice on Thomas’s part to engage with conventional poetic techniques. Why do you think he might have made that choice here?
2. Rhyme and Meter: Now, let’s examine the poem’s structure more closely. Night and Morning features a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, which are hallmarks of traditional poetry. Consider how this structure creates a musical quality in the poem. How does this rhythmic flow enhance the themes or emotions being conveyed?
3. Theme and Mood: Next, let’s think about the themes of the poem. The transition from the tempestuous night to the calm morning symbolizes hope and renewal. Do you think a traditional structure helps to express this contrast effectively? How might the structured form elevate the reader's experience of these themes?
4. Intentionality and Experimentation: It’s also worth considering that Thomas may have intentionally chosen to utilize traditional forms in this poem to make a specific statement. What effect do you think this choice has on the overall meaning or tone? Does conforming to traditional devices serve to highlight any contrasts within the poem?
5. Historical Context: Lastly, let’s look at the historical context of Thomas’s work. He was writing during a time when modernist influences were prominent, but there was also a revival of interest in traditional forms. This context might explain why he chose to experiment with traditional structures in Night and Morning. How does understanding this context change your perspective on the poem?

By reflecting on these points, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of why Night and Morning stands out among R. S. Thomas’s body of work. I encourage you to write down your thoughts as you consider these questions and how they relate to the poem.