Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Dora Sigerson Shorter was an Irish poet known for her emotive and poignant verse, often reflecting the sentiment of her homeland. In "Sick I Am And Sorrowful," she captures a profound sense of longing, homesickness, and disconnection from the land she loves, coupled with a despondency towards war.

Themes

The most compelling themes in the poem are sickness and grief, longing for home, and a profound aversion to war.

Sickness and Grief

The opening line, "Sick I am and sorrowful," creates a palpable sense of the speaker's physical and emotional suffering. The ailment is not a mere physical one but the sadness of being removed from one's homeland, echoing the feelings of loss and bereavement.

Longing for Home

The poem also delves into the theme of homesickness as it vividly paints landscapes of Ireland. From Glenmalure to the cliffs of Moher, the descriptions conjure up an idealized homeland full of beauty and tranquility. The repetitive longing for various Irish locales underscores the speaker's intense yearning.

Aversion to War

This longing is juxtaposed with the dark reality of war, marked by the constant sounds of "big guns" and "musketry." The speaker's hatred towards war is evident, and it has left her bitter and unable to pray.

Structure and Style

The poem is structured in eight quatrains, adhering to an ABAB rhyme scheme. This uniform structure reinforces the cyclical nature of the speaker's grief and longing.

Shorter's use of rhythmic and descriptive language infuses the poem with a musical quality. The constant juxtaposition between the tranquil landscapes of Ireland and the disturbing sounds of war heightens the emotional tension.

Historical and Cultural Context

The mention of weaponry and the dark tone of war in the poem may reflect the political turmoil in Ireland during Shorter's lifetime, marked by conflicts and the pursuit of independence. The landscapes mentioned might serve as a nostalgic reminder of a peaceful Ireland, untouched by the ravages of war.

Conclusion

"Sick I Am And Sorrowful" by Dora Sigerson Shorter is a poignant reflection on longing, homesickness, and the stark contrast between the peace of the homeland and the brutality of war. Through vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and emotive themes, Shorter creates a deeply moving piece that resonates with universal feelings of loss and desire for peace. Her plea to escape from the noise and violence of war and return to the serene landscapes of Ireland is a timeless cry that still echoes today, making this poem a significant contribution to the canon of war poetry and Irish literature.

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