Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Farmers" by William Alexander Percy explores the admiration and contemplation of farmers and their way of life. The speaker observes the farmers working in their fields and is struck by their calmness, certainty, and dignity. Despite their limited education, they possess a profound understanding of simple things and find contentment in their work.

The farmers' relationship with God is also highlighted in the poem. Even in times of conflict or hardship, they quickly reconcile with God, granting forgiveness when He provides them with the much-needed rain. Their pleasure and satisfaction are evident when they harvest their crops, as they perceive their labor as a partnership with a higher power.

However, the speaker expresses a sense of longing and questioning in the final stanza. They wonder why, despite witnessing the fulfillment and contentment of the farmers, they themselves still yearn for something different. The mention of "fields to buy" and "little fields to rent" suggests a desire for ownership and perhaps a dissatisfaction with their own circumstances. The speaker reflects on their own pursuit of wisdom and discontentment, implying a contrast between their own mindset and the simplicity and fulfillment found in the farmers' lives..

In terms of poetic devices, the poem utilizes imagery to depict the farmers and their way of life. It portrays their calmness, dignity, and satisfaction through descriptions of their actions and attitudes. The use of contrast, particularly between the farmers' contentment and the speaker's discontentment, creates a sense of introspection and reflection. The poem also employs repetition, as seen in the repetition of certain phrases like "They know such simple things so well" and "When gathered crops are trim," emphasizing their significance. The overall tone of the poem is contemplative and reflective, inviting readers to ponder the value of simplicity and fulfillment found in the lives of farmers.

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