Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Then and Now" by Cecil Day Lewis draws a powerful parallel between the resilience displayed by Britons during the Blitz of World War II and the contemporary challenges facing Britain, urging a return to the spirit of unity and selflessness that characterized that era. Through this comparison, the poem becomes a rallying cry for collective action and mutual support, transcending the specific context of wartime to address broader societal concerns.

The poem begins by invoking the memory of the mornings after the blitzes, a time of devastation and loss, yet also of remarkable human resilience. The "living picked themselves up and went on living," not dwelling on the past but driven by a renewed sense of purpose and a heightened sense of community amidst danger. This historical resilience serves as a model for the present, suggesting that the qualities that helped the nation endure those dark times are once again needed.

However, the nature of the threat has changed. Instead of the "bansheeing / Of sirens and the beat of terrible wings" heralding aerial assaults, the current dangers are more insidious, stemming from within and "nibbling at Britain's nerve." This shift points to internal challenges—perhaps social, political, or economic in nature—that threaten the fabric of society just as profoundly as the bombs of the Blitz.

Day Lewis calls upon the "tough and gentle islanders" to embody the same resilience, solidarity, and disregard for personal gain that marked their response to the Blitz. The poem emphasizes the erasure of social divisions and the collective effort to survive and rebuild, where "boiler-room, board-room, backroom boys" all united in a common cause, underscoring the importance of communal effort over individual interests.

While acknowledging that the young generation cannot remember the Blitz, the poet attributes to them the same "old selflessness," recognizing their potential to lead the way in addressing the current challenges. This generational bridge reinforces the poem's message that the values needed to overcome adversity are timeless and can be rekindled in the face of new threats.

The closing stanza serves as a call to action, urging "islanders" to work together "as men and women / Members one of another," looking beyond petty differences towards a shared vision of "glory, common wealth, and home." This vision encompasses not only the survival of the nation but the realization of a society characterized by shared prosperity, equity, and a sense of belonging.

"Then and Now" thus not only commemorates the spirit of resilience and unity in the face of the Blitz but also serves as an inspirational message for contemporary society. It encourages a return to those foundational values to navigate the challenges of the present, highlighting the enduring power of community and selflessness in shaping a better future.

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