Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Prayer for the King's Majesty" is a poem by John Masefield, written in 1937 to mark the coronation of King George VI, who succeeded his brother Edward VIII after his abdication. At the time of his coronation, the world was on the brink of World War II, and Masefield wrote this poem as a plea for peace and guidance for the new king in his reign.

Content:

The poem is a prayer that beseeches God to protect and guide the King in his reign. Masefield acknowledges the burden of responsibility that comes with the crown and the need for wisdom and strength to carry it. He prays that the King will be granted the ability to understand the needs and aspirations of his people and that he will rule justly and with compassion. The poem also asks for divine protection for the King and his family and for peace and prosperity for the nation.

Form:

"A Prayer for the King's Majesty" is written in rhyming couplets, with each line consisting of ten syllables. The poem has a formal and reverential tone that befits a prayer. The use of a regular rhyme scheme and meter creates a sense of stability and order that reflects the poet's desire for peace and security.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of several poetic elements to convey its message, including imagery and metaphor. Masefield uses imagery of the crown, the sceptre, and the throne to represent the King's authority and the burden of his responsibilities. The metaphor of the King as a shepherd, guiding his flock, is used to emphasize the importance of wise and just leadership. The poem also uses repetition, with the phrase "grant him" repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the poet's petition to God for guidance and protection.

Summary:

"A Prayer for the King's Majesty" is a beautifully crafted prayer that captures the hopes and fears of a nation on the brink of war. Masefield's use of imagery and metaphor conveys the weight of responsibility that comes with the crown, while the poem's formal structure and tone reflect the need for stability and order in a time of uncertainty. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of wise and just leadership and the need for divine guidance in times of crisis.

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