Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Corymbus for Autumn" is a poem by Francis Thompson, an English poet and writer who lived from 1859 to 1907. The poem is a celebration of the season of autumn and its beauty, and reflects on the themes of change, decay, and the passage of time.

Context:

"A Corymbus for Autumn" was published in 1898, during a period of intense interest in the natural world and the changing seasons. The poem reflects the broader cultural interest in the beauty of the natural world, and the ways in which it can inspire a sense of wonder and awe.

Content:

"A Corymbus for Autumn" is a poem that celebrates the season of autumn and its beauty, reflecting on the themes of change, decay, and the passage of time. The poem explores the ways in which autumn embodies the idea of transformation and renewal, as the leaves change color and fall from the trees, and the world prepares for the coming winter.

Form:

"A Corymbus for Autumn" is written in free verse, with a flowing and lyrical style that reflects the speaker's sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world. The poem is divided into several stanzas, each containing a different aspect of the speaker's meditation on autumn and its significance.

Poetic Elements:

"A Corymbus for Autumn" makes use of several poetic techniques and devices, including metaphor, imagery, and repetition. The use of metaphor, such as the comparison of autumn to a "crimson flag unfurled," adds to the poem's emotional impact, while the imagery of the changing leaves emphasizes the beauty and significance of the season. The repetition of phrases such as "autumn, autumn," emphasizes the poem's focus on the season and its themes.

Summary:

"A Corymbus for Autumn" is a significant work of nature poetry, and a notable contribution to Francis Thompson's body of work. The poem's celebration of the season of autumn and its themes of change and renewal continues to resonate with readers today. The poem's use of metaphor, imagery, and repetition adds to its poetic and emotional impact, while also conveying the speaker's sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the natural world. Overall, "A Corymbus for Autumn" is a noteworthy example of Thompson's ability to capture the essence of the natural world in a poetic form.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...