The Reflection of War and Nature in Poetry: A Study of Agricultural Imagery
This analysis explores the dual themes of war and rural life, as seen through the lens of a poet born in 1878 to Welsh parents in London. After studying at Oxford University and working as a journalist, he enlisted in 1914, only to die on the battlefield in Arras in 1917. The study examines the use of agricultural imagery, specifically horse brasses and ploughing, juxtaposed with the harsh realities of war. It invites discussion on the poem's message about the impact of war on both human life and the natural world, as well as significant events that coincide in the narrative.
The Reflection of War and Nature in Poetry: A Study of Agricultural Imagery
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Presentation Transcript
2. Born: 1878, London, Welsh parents
Oxford University
Journalist
Enlisted: 1914
Died: 1917 Arras battlefield Photo http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ltg/projects/jtap/images/thomas_lg.gifPhoto http://www.oucs.ox.ac.uk/ltg/projects/jtap/images/thomas_lg.gif
3. As the Teams Head Brass This refers to the horse brasses on a team of horses, pulling a plough.
5. Highlight all the words with agricultural/natural associations.
Highlight all the parts of the poem that refer to the war.
Group work
Discuss whether or not this is a war
poem.
6. What do you think is the message of this poem?
Life goes on during the war
Events in France effect what happens in rural Britain
The catastrophic events of the war are reflected in nature.
7. In the mens conversation we find out that two important events have occurred on the same night.
What are they?
What is the significance of this?