Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Lemmings" is a poem by John Masefield that was first published in 1928 as part of his collection "Reynard the Fox." The poem tells the story of a group of lemmings, small rodents known for their tendency to migrate in large numbers and sometimes even leap off cliffs en masse. The poem explores themes of nature, instinct, and human behavior.

Content:

In "The Lemmings," Masefield describes a horde of lemmings migrating toward the sea. The speaker observes the lemmings' behavior and contemplates the instinctual drive that compels them to move forward despite the dangers that lie ahead. The poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the inevitability of death, as the lemmings eventually reach the sea and their journey comes to an end.

Form:

"The Lemmings" is a narrative poem that consists of six stanzas of varying length. The poem does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme, but Masefield employs a variety of poetic techniques such as repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and movement in the poem.

Poetic Elements:

Masefield uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of the lemmings' movement and the landscape they are passing through. The poem also makes use of personification, particularly in its description of the sea as a "vast green wall" that the lemmings are inexorably drawn towards.

Summary:

"The Lemmings" is a thought-provoking poem that offers a commentary on the nature of instinct and the inevitability of death. Masefield's use of imagery and personification creates a vivid picture of the lemmings' migration and highlights the theme of nature's power and indifference to individual life. Overall, the poem is a poignant reminder of the fragility and transience of life.

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