Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Devil in Seven Shires" by Elinor Wylie, the poem takes the form of a carol, offering a haunting and vivid journey through seven mythical shires, each representing a different aspect of human experience, temptation, or vice. The speaker beckons the "sorrowful people" to escape their troubles by descending into one of these shires, where each place offers a form of release or indulgence, but also a dark, seductive cost. Through richly descriptive and symbolic language, Wylie examines themes of escapism, human desires, and the consequences of yielding to temptation.

The first shire introduced is the "shire of rivers," a place where peace and tranquility seem abundant: “The shire of a double dream / Whose image never shivers / In its mercurial stream.” The river here is described as mercurial, fluid, and ever-changing, yet the image within it remains stable, representing a form of peace that does not waver. However, this peace comes at the cost of complete surrender: “Dive into this, and drown.” The river, while offering peace, also promises to engulf and consume those who attempt to lose themselves in its quiet, deceptive stillness. It is a place of weariness, where escape is achieved only through drowning, a metaphor for losing oneself entirely in the search for peace.

The second shire, "the shire of iron," is a sharp contrast to the first, filled with violence and war. “Where swords grow up like grain, / And granite walls environ / A broad resounding plain.” This shire is described as a place where weapons grow naturally, emphasizing a culture of violence, where even nature is shaped by conflict. The phrase "radiant plain" may seem appealing but is filled with "daggers" that grow like daisies—inviting aggression and death. The speaker calls to those who seek violence and urges them to “Leap into this, and kill.” This shire represents a destructive form of strength, where violence is as natural and abundant as the land itself.

The third shire, "the shire of apples," introduces a more hedonistic escape: “That are sweeter than holy bread; / I have torn down all the chapels / And builded inns instead.” This is a place where religious or moral restrictions are discarded in favor of indulgence. The apples here are not just a symbol of temptation but are framed as a more pleasurable alternative to sacred bread, suggesting a world where indulgence in physical pleasures replaces spiritual nourishment. The shire is filled with cider, beer, and inns, promising relief from the weight of life’s struggles. The invitation here is clear: “Drop into this, and drink.” This shire is for those who seek distraction in earthly pleasures, with no need to think of "war or money or quarrels."

In the fourth shire, "the shire of sovereigns," the focus shifts to wealth and greed: “They cover the ground like leaves. / Thank God no justice governs / This heaven of my thieves!” The ground is covered with sovereigns, symbolic of wealth and power, and the absence of justice makes it a place for thieves to flourish. The gold, which is supposedly given in alms for Jesus’ sake, is ironically offered to those who would steal it for their own gain. This shire is for those who seek riches without moral constraint: “Steal into this, and take.” It’s a place where wealth is freely given, but at the cost of righteousness.

The fifth shire, "the shire of whispers," suggests deceit and betrayal. “Its willow trees have tongues, / And soft infernal vespers / Ring bells between their songs.” The willows, traditionally symbols of sorrow, are now described as having tongues, suggesting that secrets and whispers abound in this place. The "infernal vespers" further reinforce the sinister nature of the shire, where betrayal and lies are commonplace. Those who enter this realm can easily betray their lord or see a brother die, as all it takes is “half a word” to manipulate or deceive. The invitation here is to “Creep into this, and lie,” offering an escape through dishonesty and betrayal.

The sixth shire, "the shire of shadows," presents a more introspective and unsettling form of escape. “Silver are all its meadows; / Its birds sing low and loud; / Its clover valleys lie asleep / Forgetting to be sad.” This shire is bathed in shadows and silver, evoking a dreamlike or eerie atmosphere. The birds sing, but their songs are neither joyous nor mournful—simply “low and loud,” symbolizing an emotional numbness. The people of this land are encouraged to bury their sorrow deep within themselves, a form of escapism through repression: “Go seek it, and go mad.” The shire represents the dangers of avoiding one’s true feelings, retreating into a hollow silence that can drive one to madness.

The seventh and final shire is "the shire of pigeons," a place of love and sensuality. “Queen Venus calls her doves, / Of Puck’s and Pan’s religions / And Ashtaroth her groves.” The imagery here is linked to love, fertility, and sexual freedom, invoking figures from mythology associated with passion and desire. This shire represents a place of indulgence in love and physical pleasure, where the speaker urges a young man to look and “lean into this, and love.” It’s a place where the pursuit of love and sensuality provides an escape from the constraints of society, but also one that is tied to mythological and potentially dangerous forces.

“Devil in Seven Shires” presents a series of allegorical realms that offer different forms of escape from the hardships of life, each with its own temptation and peril. Through these seven shires, Wylie examines the human tendency to seek relief through indulgence, violence, material wealth, deceit, repression, or sensual pleasure. Each shire represents a different aspect of human desire, each offering both allure and danger. The poem ultimately critiques these forms of escape, showing that while they may offer temporary relief, they also come with their own forms of destruction and moral cost. Wylie’s rich imagery and mythological references create a complex and vivid exploration of the darker sides of human nature and the consequences of yielding to temptation.

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